FLAGSTAFF Ariz,
Officials at Northern Arizona University are considering a plan that would guarantee students a predictable tuition rate for their four years in school in exchange for a higher rate the first year.
Under the proposal being discussed, in-state tuition would go up by 10 percent in the student’s first year, to $5,053. But after that, tuition increases would be limited to just 2.5 percent, well below the annual average increase of 7.3 percent.
Tuition for out-of-state students would be 14 percent higher in the first year, rising to $16,243, with no increases for the next three years.
“A lot of parents are worried about spiraling education costs” said David Bousquet, the university’s vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. “This is one way to bring predictability to the discussion.”
The proposal has not yet had formal public hearings, although forums have been held at NAU. The Arizona Board of Regents would have to sign off on the arrangement.
“It’s come a long way from its original idea,” said NAU senior Rich Williams, a history major who serves on the Arizona Student Association board of directors. “I think, in the end, it’s going to be a welcome thing for students.”
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
