Increase in Tuition, Decrease in Students?

Current and future Longhorns were burdened last week with news that The University of Texas at Austin may increase tuition 3.95 percent for the next two school years. It is proposed by the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee that tuition may increase from $4,468 to $4,709 for the 2010-2011 school year. For the following year, the projected raise would be to $4,895. The increase comes at a brutal time, given the economic status of many, and the current struggles students already face trying to stay focused on school while working at the same time to afford it.

"It's hard right now going to school and working so that I can pay bills and everything. I'm not sure how I'd be able to do it if I would still be in school next year because I'd have to work more," said Valari Trevino, senior at UT.

The expected cost may change some students' plans for enrolling in the future. It is possible that some may have to enroll part-time in order to have more time to work. Or freshmen who are deciding where to attend their first year of college may have to choose an alternate school even if they are accepted to UT. One option may be to attend a community college their first year, but some may even choose a cheaper university that may not be their first choice. The current full-time tuition cost for residents at Texas A&M is $2,576 and $3,276 at Texas State University.

A public forum was held last week with the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee. The Daily Texan reported on students' reaction.