Shepherd University students face an increase in tuition, including room fees and meal plans, for the next school year.
Shepherd University Board of Governors has found a solution to reallocate and cut budgets to offset the $800,000 state budget cut for the 2014 fiscal year.
For the upcoming semester, the in-state undergraduate tuition will rise by $211 per semester and $352 per semester for out-of-state students.
Kyle Derr, a sophomore environmental science major, understands that the university has to balance out their budget.
Derr said, “I’m not going to transfer or drop out because of a few hundred dollar increase in my tuition and fees. That would cause far too much stress in many areas, and I believe the university recognizes that.”
Dr. Diane Melby, vice president for advancement at Shepherd University, said that compared to the surrounding schools, it is believed that Shepherd will remain competitive and appealing to new students and transfers.
Melby said, “Shepherd continues to be a great value by providing a high quality educational experience at a low cost. We know that our tuition still is less than other similar universities, and we are proud of that.”
Shepherd student or not, the cost of living has risen throughout the United States. Food prices have gone up, rental properties are more expensive, and gas is a continual rollercoaster.
The new tuition will also include an increase in room fees and meal plans. Room fees will increase by 5.26 percent. The rates for meal plan will also increase an average of 3.48 percent. Both will increase to meet expected operational cost increases and capital projects.
Brittney Butler, a junior sociology major, finds that there has been an increase with her grocery and housing expenses.
Butler said, “I have lived on and off campus, and currently all my utilities off campus have increased. The groceries I buy, the gas I use and the food I eat is all going up.”
Melby said, “I believe that most students and parents will think about all of the educational opportunities that can be experienced as a residential student and understand that there is great value even with the cost increases.”
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