SMC raises tuition for third straight year year
By SARAH NESTOR
Saint Mary's Editor
The Saint Mary's Board of Trustees approved a 6 percent tuition increase for the third straight year at its February meeting last week.
Tuition will increase to $21,783 for 2003-04, a $1,233 increase from the 2002-03 amount of $20,550. In addition, room and board costs increased by 5 percent to $7, 289, $347 more than they are this year.
Including tuition, fees and room and board, the average total cost for 2003-2004 will be $29,072. The average 2002-2003 total was $27, 492.
Saint Mary's spokeswoman Melanie Engler attributed the cost increase to heightened insurance and pension costs in addition to a lower projected enrollment. The slow economy was also a factor in the trustees' decision to increase costs.
"Everything needs to make adjustments, whether you are a business or a college," Engler said.
However, the cost increases are not in response to construction projects, Engler said. While the trustees discussed the proposed campus apartments, the topic was tabled until the next board meeting in April.
The trustees also approved a 1.5 percent increase in faculty and staff salaries. Although the increase is lower than in the past, Engler said the increase is tentative and could be higher depending on final enrollment numbers.
However, Engler said that Saint Mary's employees are secure in their jobs and that there will be zero layoffs.
"The College is committed to its faculty and staff," Engler said.
According to Engler, Saint Mary's cost increases have consistently been in step with similar institutions.
All News Stories for Monday, February 24, 2003
