Old Main on the University of Arizona campus. Listen:
Members of the Arizona Board of Regents heard comments from the public Tuesday night about university tuition proposals for the upcoming academic year.
The cost of studying won’t go up next year for the 78 percent of returning undergrads that are on the UA’s guaranteed tuition plan, which it introduced in 2014, but that didn’t stop students from voicing their opposition to the university’s proposal to raise tuition by 3.2 percent for incoming in-state freshmen.
"I have financial aid, pulled out loans and I also work as well. And my parents have to pay out of pocket for our tuition here," said one UA student who identified herself as Caitlyn. "And it’s been very difficult. Raising the tuition rate is going to be make it more difficult for more students as well."
The forum was live streamed on campuses around Arizona and people voiced their frustration over the decline in state support to universities.
"I was greatly disappointed by the state’s de-investment in higher education last year and I’m again disappointed by their failure to make up a significant portion of those funds this year," said Pauline Venieris, a Ph.D candidate at Arizona State University. "When the state recognizes the value of higher education, student tuitions will reflect that valuation."
Arizona lawmakers cut $99 million from public universities this fiscal year.
University presidents will present their proposals to the board Thursday. That meeting will be streamed online. The Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on tuition on April 7.
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