Spring Break
University awaits state budget to adjust tuition for '09-10
William Schwartz
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Front Page
Miami University's budget deficit could get worse if Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland decides to maintain a tuition freeze that has been in place for two years.
Amanda Hurst, deputy press secretary for Strickland, said the tuition freeze is meant to encourage the pursuit of higher education while making colleges and universities affordable for Ohioans.
"The governor's goals are to make Ohio's public colleges and universities among the most affordable in the country and the highest quality," Hurst said.Â
The tuition freeze, which took affect in the fall of 2007, restricts Ohio colleges and universities from raising tuition for in-state students.
The governor is currently putting together his fiscal budget with Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, for next year while keeping the freeze on tuition a top priority for 2009.
"The chancellor and (the governor) are putting together a two-year plan that includes keeping tuition low and also providing more access for more Ohioans to attend our colleges and universities," Hurst said.
Miami senior Joe Otte, from Coldwater, Ohio, said the tuition freeze is beneficial for in-state students who want an affordable, quality education.
"I think the tuition freeze is a good idea because I don't like paying more than I have to," Otte said. "I don't think anybody else should have to pay more money. If they really need to get a good education at a reasonable price, they can stay in their home state."
Another two-year freeze in tuition may resonate well with the majority of Miami students but university officials know the other side of the story.
David Creamer, vice president of finance and business at Miami, said there would probably be general increases in tuition for the 2009-10 academic year.
However, Creamer said that a tuition raise is contingent on future state legislation.
"Legislature will influence what happens for 2009 and 2010," Creamer said.
Amanda Hurst, deputy press secretary for Strickland, said the tuition freeze is meant to encourage the pursuit of higher education while making colleges and universities affordable for Ohioans.
"The governor's goals are to make Ohio's public colleges and universities among the most affordable in the country and the highest quality," Hurst said.Â
The tuition freeze, which took affect in the fall of 2007, restricts Ohio colleges and universities from raising tuition for in-state students.
The governor is currently putting together his fiscal budget with Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, for next year while keeping the freeze on tuition a top priority for 2009.
"The chancellor and (the governor) are putting together a two-year plan that includes keeping tuition low and also providing more access for more Ohioans to attend our colleges and universities," Hurst said.
Miami senior Joe Otte, from Coldwater, Ohio, said the tuition freeze is beneficial for in-state students who want an affordable, quality education.
"I think the tuition freeze is a good idea because I don't like paying more than I have to," Otte said. "I don't think anybody else should have to pay more money. If they really need to get a good education at a reasonable price, they can stay in their home state."
Another two-year freeze in tuition may resonate well with the majority of Miami students but university officials know the other side of the story.
David Creamer, vice president of finance and business at Miami, said there would probably be general increases in tuition for the 2009-10 academic year.
However, Creamer said that a tuition raise is contingent on future state legislation.
"Legislature will influence what happens for 2009 and 2010," Creamer said.
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