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Higher education costs rise in 5 states

Even as tuition increases at public universities are expected to slow, on average, this year, schools in several states are raising tuition by 10 percent to more than 15 percent, adding hundreds of dollars to students’ costs.

Driving the increases are budget gaps that have cut the amount of money available for higher education in some states. The tuition increases come as Congress is close to adopting legislation to boost federal grants for low-income students and to lower the cost of student loans.

Michigan

Among the hardest hit are students in Michigan, where rising unemployment and a widening state budget deficit have reduced the amount of state aid for public colleges and universities.

The increases range from 7.4 percent at the University of Michigan to nearly 14 percent at Oakland University in southeastern Michigan.

Other states where college students will be hit with a big jump in tuition this fall:

Oklahoma

Tuition and fees at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities will rise an average of 8.6 percent this year. At the University of Oklahoma, tuition will go up 9.7 percent, and Oklahoma State University will raise its tuition by 9.9 percent. The state’s board of regents approved the tuition increases after the state allocated less than half the amount of money the board had requested.

Illinois

Tuition and fees at the University of Illinois’ three main campuses will soar an average of 11.6 percent this year. The state’s higher-education spending has been flat for the past several years. As required by state law, tuition for incoming freshmen will remain the same for the next four years, but fees and housing costs could rise.

Colorado

The University of Colorado at Boulder will boost tuition by 14 percent this year. The increase for financially needy students, though, will be capped at 5 percent. The remaining students will receive a one-time $200 award, reducing their increase to 9.8 percent

Kansas

Tuition at the University of Kansas will rise by nearly 16 percent this fall but will remain the same for incoming freshmen for the next four years. Increases at other state colleges and universities will range from 5.1 percent to 9.5 percent.

Overall in the United States, tuition increases at state colleges have been relatively modest this year, reflecting improved state support for higher education, says Daniel Hurley, director of state relations and policy analysis for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Ohio’s budget, for instance, calls for a $254 million increase in public education funding, allowing state colleges and universities to freeze tuition and fees.

In recent years, tuition rates have risen at a much faster rate than inflation. From 2001 to 2006, average tuition at public universities jumped 35 percent after adjustment for inflation, the largest five-year increase on record, according to the College Board.