UND students concerned about tuition hikes

UND’s student body president made a plea to members of the House Appropriations Committee’s Education and Environment section to try to keep tuition rates down.

Faith Wahl of Bismarck testified during UND’s presentation to that committee. She says UND officials have warned that, with inflation, health insurance increases and a change in retirement plans for faculty and staff, as well as other costs, UND students could be looking at a 12 to 15 percent tuition increase.  “That is astronomical for some students…all students.  That’s enough to put some students out of the ballgame who will says you know I can’t continue my higher education.”

Wahl says it will also hurt UND’s and the University System’s ability to attract out-of-state students.  “We have some of the best programs in the nation at an affordable cost.  If they don’t remain  affordable we lose that competitive advantage.”

Wahl says the state is in a very good financial situation – and this would be a one-time ask.

NDPPR/KNOX