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Some Colleges Are Hiking Prices Amid Coronavirus While Others Lower Or Freeze Tuition

REUTERS/Katherine Taylor

Sergei Kelley Contributor
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Amid the coronavirus pandemic, some colleges are increasing tuition while reducing traditional learning options, and others are freezing or lowering tuition.

Since the mid-March outset of coronavirus in the United States, colleges have increased tuition, some citing extra costs and potentially lower enrollment. One university is imposing a $50 “COVID-19 fee.” Referencing greater economic strain, others are giving free tuition with some reducing tuition, one college is slashing their tuition in half(RELATED: Gov. Cuomo’s Order Sent More Than 6,000 Coronavirus Patients Into Nursing Homes, Officials Say)

Dr Anthony Fauci, prepares to leave after testifying during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on Capitol Hill June 30, 2020. Kevin Dietsch/Pool via REUTERS

Dr Anthony Fauci, prepares to leave after testifying during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on Capitol Hill June 30, 2020. Kevin Dietsch/Pool via REUTERS

Colleges increasing tuition: 

  • The University of Michigan Board of Regents voted June 29 to increase tuition by 1.9% and impose a $50-per-term ‘COVID-19 fee.’ Further promised was an additional $12.8 million in financial aid.
  • Citing ‘financial stability,’ the University of Missouri increased tuition by 2.3% at all four campuses, generating about $14.8 million. Campuses provided roughly $30 million in refunds to students after transitioning remotely in March. 
  • New York University raised tuition at several of their schools by over $700 and raised registration fees in late June. The increases are “consistent with prior years” university spokesperson John Beckman told the Washington Square News. 
  • Full-time students at seven of Oklahoma’s colleges will be paying roughly $80 more for tuition and fees, after a June 24 vote by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
  • Syracuse University announced a 3.9% tuition increase for full-time students in early May, and shared several funds and programs to assist students. 
  • Four of the six Kansas public universities will be increasing tuition, ranging from 2.0%-3.7%, after state regents voted June 17. 
A woman wears a mask at Syracuse University, New York, U.S., March 12, 2020. REUTERS/Maranie Staab

A woman wears a mask at Syracuse University, New York, U.S., March 12, 2020. REUTERS/Maranie Staab

Colleges reducing tuition:

  • St. Mary’s University halved tuition for incoming students who enrolled in summer classes and alumni graduate students enrolled in specific colleges. 
  • The University of Nebraska announced April 27 the “Nebraska Promise” program, which  offers free tuition for families making $60,000 or less per year. 
  • Albion College’s “Michigan 2020 Promise” provides free tuition for families of graduating seniors or transfer students making $65,000 or less annually. 
  • Thomas University shared their “Level Up” program mid-May, which offers a 30% tuition discount for online undergraduate programs to students who have lost jobs or have had hours cut due to coronavirus.
Faculty cheer on graduates from California State University San Marcos as graduating students participate in a car parade in San Marcos, California, U.S., May 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Faculty cheer on graduates from California State University San Marcos as graduating students participate in a car parade in San Marcos, California, U.S., May 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Colleges freezing tuition:

  • Central Michigan University voted April 17 to freeze tuition for 2020-2021 to help mitigate economic pressure on students.
  • Initially planning on a 3% tuition increase, Kansas City University reversed direction late April and froze tuition.
  • The College of William and Mary reversed direction and froze tuition and fees on April 23 after proposing a 3% tuition increase.
  • Ohio Wesleyan University walked back a proposed 3% tuition increase in early April.