College is by far one of the biggest investments students will ever make, but does it have to be the most costly?
According to recent rankings from The Economist and Brookings, the U has very reasonable tuition rates. The rankings were based on the economic value of a college degree, placing the U in the top seven percent in the nation, and number one among Utah, Pac-12, and Big-10 public institutions.
Students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits per semester to maintain full-time status. By adding one extra class per semester or taking summer classes, however, students may be able to shorten their college education by one year while also saving a significant amount on college tuition.
Western Washington University (WWU) trustees recently approved a 15 percent tuition reduction for resident undergraduate students. Residential undergraduate students at WWV will receive a 5 percent reduction for the 2015-2016 academic year, followed by an additional 15 percent reduction on top of that. The news of this reduction has been making its way around other campuses causing students to wonder if they are going to be as lucky.
“University of Utah tuition rates have to be approved through the state legislator and budgeting office, and as of right now the University of Utah has no plans to increase or decrease tuition rates,” said Steffany Forrest, a current director in the department of Financial and Business Services.
Fall semester of 2015 was the last time that the U raised their tuition cost. On average, students pay about $250 more per year with the tuition increase.
Although there are no current plans underway, it is far more likely that tuition will increase rather than decrease in the future. An increase in tuition usually pays for more online classes and graduate research positions, along with maintaining competitive salaries to keep top professors at the U.
“Honestly I think the U’s tuition rates are actually pretty fair,” said Meckenzie Christensen, a current student at the U. “It can be frustrating as a student to have to know that each year the tuition will likely rise. Especially when you are a student who is saving up and can never be certain just how much you have to save. However, compared to other universities and taking into consideration the prestige of the U, the tuition rate doesn’t seem outrageous.”
In addition to being a reasonably priced university, the U offers many different resources to help students pay for their education. Scholarships, on-campus employment, and tuition payment plans all provide students with opportunities to help them earn an education without breaking the bank.
For more information on these resources visit financial aid.utah.edu for a list of opportunities, deadlines for scholarships and payment plan options, or stop by the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid located in the student services building on the 1st floor.
@Kelsey_Kenyon