University of Idaho tuition and fees have increased 100 percent in 10 years — but the money was needed.
The Idaho State Board of Education approved UI President M. Duane Nellis’ proposed 6.1 percent tuition and fee increase in a 5-2 vote Wednesday. Unlike the other institutions’ requested increases, SBOE President Richard Westerberg and Vice President Kenneth Edmunds opposed the increase.
Edmunds said the increase would further inhibit the growth of UI’s student population and the influx of state revenue should have allowed for a lower proposal.
He might be right about inhibiting UI’s growth — increased tuition and fees always present that problem. But the need to fill financial holes in order to maintain the quality of education UI has built its reputation on requires more than a one-year increase in state funding.
It’s easy to compare the cost of tuition in 2001to the $6,212 in-state undergraduates will pay next year and decide it is unwarranted. What many tend to forget, however, is that the cost of living in 2012 is far higher than in 2001 — and the cost of education is no different.
The proposed increase does not permit additional bells and whistles. When looking at the budget there are gaps that will still not be filled. At the same time, there is no denying meaningless six-figure positions exist on campus. Even so UI, and higher education as a whole, have struggled through numerous financial hits in the last 10 years.
To say students love to hear their fees and tuition will be increased year after year would be grossly inaccurate, but many recognize that to obtain the education they want will cost some additional dollars. This is especially true when Idaho State regularly demonstrates its lack of prioritization of education.
Students have suffered from endless budget cuts, department reductions and dissolves, loss of classes, and a general hindrance to the education they pay for and strive to obtain.
Edmunds was not wrong when he said more funding should come from the state. In fact, he was right on. The problem is apparently the state does not agree. Yes, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter proposed more funding for higher education this year, but that is only one year. There is no guarantee this sudden change in prioritization will continue in the years following.
In terms of education funding Idaho is one of the lowest states in the nation, and has been for years. Given that the trends have not changed much, it’s unlikely the state government will be quick to maintain a focus on higher education. Ultimately, the students have to be the maintenance crew — a task many have accepted.
ASUI President Samantha Perez said 83 percent of students graduating said they were satisfied or greatly satisfied with the cost of education in the Graduating Senior Survey. The majority of UI students are comfortable maintaining and improving their education, even if the state is not.
Until government officials make the shift to prioritize education the financial weight will continue to tug at the pockets of current and future students.
— ER