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)
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.
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.
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.