June 12, 2008
UW undergraduate resident tuition to increase about $400
The University of Washington Board of Regents today (June 12) approved an increase for undergraduate resident tuition of $408 for the 2008-9 academic year.
Currently, the state of Washington, through general fund appropriations, pays for a little less than half the cost of educating an undergraduate student. Total tuition and fees for the coming year will be $6,793, an increase of 7 percent.
“Tuition at the UW has historically been low, and even with this increase it is going to be $1,900,. or 20 percent, a year lower than comparable institutions around the country,” says UW President Mark A. Emmert. “Still, we understand that for some families, paying tuition can be a struggle, which is why the UW will be increasing the amount it allocates in financial aid as tuition rises. We also remain committed to the Husky Promise Program, which guarantees that Washington students from low income backgrounds pay no tuition at all.” Currently, about 20 percent of UW undergraduates, about 5,500 students, pay no tuition.
The tuition increase will yield approximately $8.4 million annually, which will fund increases in the cost of education, including library materials, equipment, salaries for faculty and teaching assistants, energy costs, maintenance and student services.
The tuition increase and the state appropriation combined still leave the UW at a distinct disadvantage in comparison with similar public institutions, which spend $3,100 more per student on undergraduate education.
Tuition for non-resident undergraduates will increase by $1,079, or 6.6 percent. Increases for graduate and professional programs will range from 6.1 to 9.4 percent.
