Oregon State University Tuition and Fee Recommendations for 2016-17

Feb. 5, 2016

 

Why is there a recommendation to increase tuition in 2016-2017?

Each year, Oregon State University faces cost increases, which range from faculty salaries to health insurance and energy costs. Even with this tuition proposal, OSU will not recover all of its costs of operation. Cost controls and managing the number of students enrolled at OSU also will help balance the university’s budget for next year.

What is the process for establishing tuition rates?

The University Budget Committee, including student representatives, has worked for several months to develop recommendations for tuition rates for 2016-17.

The Budget Committee includes representatives from the Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) and the Associated Students of Cascades Campus (ASCC). Proposals are completed  early each winter term so student comment can be solicited before the March meeting of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Many factors, including comparative analysis of peer universities’ tuition rates are considered.  When analyzing tuition rates at peer institutions such as Washington State University, Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin, OSU compares favorably.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes in tuition rates.  This is done in late March so tuition rates for the next year can be communicated well in advance to students and families for their financial planning. Additionally, the OSU Office of Financial Aid uses this information to develop aid packages for students for the next academic year.

Why will tuition increase for resident Oregon students and not out-of-state students?

Oregon State has a goal of setting tuition rates for both resident and non-resident students below the median tuition rates of OSU’s peer universities.  This fall, while rates for resident students were below that median, rates for non-resident students were slightly above that median.  Meanwhile, non-resident students attending OSU pay triple the cost of tuition as do resident students, whose tuition is partially paid for by the state of Oregon. While that rate reflects the actual costs of education, it is also a barrier for students choosing to attend or remain at OSU. 

Maintaining enrollment of non-resident students, which includes international students, is important to providing for a mix of students that contributes to the student experience at OSU and the university’s budget.

Will student fees increase?

Student fees have not been set yet. The Student Incidental Fee Committee (SIFC), which is composed entirely of students, is evaluating incidental and health fees for next year.  The committee is expected to forward its recommendations to the ASOSU Congress in late February.  After approval by ASOSU, the recommendation will be sent to President Ray and then to the OSU Board of Trustees for final approval.

The goal is that the total increase of all tuition and fees combined will remain below 3 percent. 

How will the university help students who require financial support?

Each year, Oregon State provides over $80M in grants and scholarships (of which $35 million is direct institutional aid from OSU). Financial aid managed by OSU includes federal aid like Pell Grants, scholarships from the OSU Foundation, and financial aid funded directly by the university.  The university also manages over $173 million in loan funds for undergraduate and graduate students.

The university recognizes that even the smallest increase in tuition can create challenges for individual students to remain at OSU.

This year, a fund of $1.7 million in additional financial aid was created to help those students who were most at risk for financial reasons of not being able to continue their studies.

The university will continue this program and will increase the amount of financial aid dependent on what tuition rates are approved and the level of OSU enrollment in fall 2016.

The total scholarship support available from the OSU Foundation will likely increase this coming academic year as new scholarships are funded.

Why aren’t summer and Ecampus rates increasing?

Summer and Ecampus tuition rates will remain the same to encourage growth of these programs. In looking at rates for similar programs at peer universities, OSU currently compares favorably, and as a result, the budget committee did not see an immediate need to make adjustments. 

How can students give input on 2016-2017 tuition recommendations?

During February, ASOSU will hold three forums to seek student input on the university’s budget and proposed tuition rates. The forums will be held at:

  • Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Native American Longhouse.
  • 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, in Room 128 at the Learning Innovation Center.
  • 6-7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15, in Room 153 Weniger.

Comments, questions or concerns on the budget or tuition also can be shared with Professor John Killefer (john.killefer@oregonstate.edu), chair of the University Budget Committee, or Sherman Bloomer (sherman.bloomer@oregonstate.edu), director of OSU Budget and Fiscal Planning.

After review of this input, a final proposal for 2016-17 rates will be sent to President Ray for his recommendation to the OSU Board of Trustees. The Board is expected to consider the tuition recommendation at its March 31 meeting.