Since fall 2010, the cost of in-state tuition at Shepherd has increased, in total, by $511 or 19.5 percent. Likewise, out-of-state tuition has increased by $897 or 12.8 percent in total.
These numbers will likely be rising once more for the 2014–15 school year.
According to Deborah Judd, vice president of administration and finance, “The budget advisory council is planning to recommend a tuition increase of less than five percent in order to assist Shepherd in balancing its budget.”
A possible 3.75 percent cut in state funds, enrollment demands, and a normal base budget is to blame for this tuition increase, reported Judd.
Since fall 2010, tuition at Shepherd has increased, on average, by about six percent per academic year. Next semester’s anticipated tuition increase of less than five percent will fall short of this average.
A statement from President Shipley on March 12, 2012 upheld Shepherd’s status in terms of tuition. “Shepherd University is affordable. Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in the nation, and we raise tuition and fees only as it is necessary to deliver a high quality educational program,” said Shipley.
The College Board, a non-profit, college-focused organization, confirmed Shipley’s statement. The board reported that the 2013–14 average cost of in-state tuition at a four-year college was $8,893 per year and out-of-state tuition was $22,203 per year.
Tuition at Shepherd for that same year was $6,256 for in-state students and $15,840 for out-of-state students.
Though overall tuition costs are below the national average, Shepherd’s percentage increase in tuition costs per year exceeds the average.
The College Board reported a typical increase of 2.9 perccent for in-state tuition at a public, four-year college from the 2012–13 to the 2013–14 academic year. During this same time period, Shepherd’s in-state tuition rose by 7.23 percent, more than double the national average.
Out-of-state tuition offers a similar picture. The national average increase of out-of-state tuition from the 2012–13 to the 2013–14 academic year is 3.1 percent according to The College Board. At Shepherd, the increase in out-of-state tuition for this same period of time is 4.65 percent.
Students have differing views on increases in tuition costs.
Chaz Nedd, a senior exercise science major, believes tuition should not be raised. “It’s already hard enough for students to pay for school. An increase in tuition would put students more in debt than they already are,” said Nedd.
Kaylee Huyett, a junior education major, is “not a fan” of the increase in tuition costs, but sees no other way for the university to go. “I guess it’s one of the only things Shepherd can do,” said Huyett, “No one likes the fact that tuition is being raised, but it’s what they need to do to keep the school running.”
The Board of Governors will issue a final decision concerning tuition and fees at a meeting on April 3.
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