NASHVILLE Tenn.
A state panel is recommending for the first time that community college and technology center tuition rates not be increased.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved its recommendation for the 2008-2009 school year at a meeting Thursday.
Four-year schools are looking at increases 7 to 9 percent for the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and University of Memphis, and 5 to 7 percent for the rest.
Tuition rates won’t be finalized until next summer. Trustees at the University of Tennessee decide tuition for its five-campus system, and the Board of Regents sets rates at the state’s other higher education institutions.
The commission also approved $133.8 million for five capital projects in the UT system and three others in the Board of Regents system totaling $166 million, including $115 million for science facility improvements at Middle Tennessee State University.
UT President John Petersen objected to the project for MTSU, saying there are more pressing capital needs at other schools.
Jerry Preston, executive director of facilities development for the Board of Regents, said the project has been considered since 1998.
“It’s finally made its way up to the top, and the cost of science buildings (has) skyrocketed,” he said.
Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
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