Tuition to increase
Tuition rates at the University of Indianapolis will increase by 3.5 percent in the 2011-2012 school year. Last year’s tuition increased 5 percent from the proceeding year.
This increase will put tuition at $22,790 for next year, a $770 increase from last year.
In addition, the cost for room and board, with a 14-meal plan option, will add $280 to the current rate, making next year’s total $8,270 for the same meal option.
President Beverley Pitts explained that compared to the many other private institutions of Indiana, UIndy’s increased tuition is minimal. In fact, Marian University experienced a spike of over 7 percent in their tuition rates for both this year and last year, much higher than the 3.5 percent UIndy students will encounter next fall.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees made the decision to raise tuition. However, students who qualify also will have an increase in available financial aid dollars during the next school year as part of the same decision.
According to Pitts, the university is dedicated to plugging money into financial aid to help offset the massive cost of a college education.
“We want to maintain a bigger budget to help all students who are in need,” Pitts said. “We have tried to be efficient, careful and thoughtful when managing our finances, so that we can provide students with the quality of school and education they deserve.”
Mark Weigand, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, noted that the university acknowledges the cost of an education and knows that heightened expenses can be a burden.
However, Weigand explained that the university is dedicated to providing students with financial assistance, and he believes that loans are readily available from both the federal government and the private sector.
“Some students depend on things like gift aid, but many students depend on loans, and they appear to be there for next year,” Weigand said. “We intend to monitor things at a federal level, and we feel that things are going to stabilize.”
Both Pitts and Weigand stress that new facilities such as the athletics center or new residence halls are not the motivating factors behind a increased tuition rate. These expenses are paid for over time, and their cost remains stable. Additionally, increased enrollment also is not a contributing factor to tuition increases.
“We don’t want students to feel like they are paying for our increased enrollment numbers,” Pitts said. “Really, tuition increases are a reality of keeping the campus healthy.”
According to Pitts, tuition is increased to manage and maintain the university’s operating costs, pay for technology updates and attract the best quality professors. Also, inflation makes tuition increases a necessity that keeps UIndy functioning.
Students who have questions about scholarships, loans and grants, or just general questions about financing their education, are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid, located on the first floor of Esch Hall.
