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Editor-in-Chief The University of Arkansas at Monticello experienced an increase in tuition this year, approved by the Board of Trustees in the spring. Undergraduates will pay 5.3 percent more while graduates pay 8.9 percent more. Despite the increase, UAM remains the least expensive four-year institution in Arkansas. The university receives its income from two main sources: tuition and fees, and state support. “Tuition and fees has increased as state support has decreased,” Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. “If we can increase the revenue we can get from the state, the less we’ll have to get from students.” A student pays about 30 percent of what it takes to operate the institution; the state pays about 50 percent, and the rest mostly comes from auxiliary fees, such as books, residence halls and food service. While UAM students may be displeased with paying more, many students across the nation will be facing similar, if not worse, circumstances. Public college and university students experienced an average tuition and fee increase of 7.1 percent during the 2005-06 academic year, according to a College Board survey. The steady increase in tuition has prompted more borrowing. The amount of students graduating with a debt of at least $40,000 surged from about 7,000 in 1993 to about 77,500 in 2004, according to The Project on Student Debt. Undergraduates who borrow end up with an average debt of $15,500, according to the College Board. In an attempt to help students meet their
educational expenses, UAM now offers FACTS, a tuition management tool.
The program allows easy online enrollment, a monthly payment plan and
flexible payment options with no interest. It costs $25 per semester to
enroll. “With FACTS you don’t have to pay your balance in full,” said Alethea Dallas, an accountant in the cashier’s office. “You also have at least a $356 book allowance that can be paid off in installments.” Have a comment? Please e-mail us. ŠThe Voice 2006 Revised 01/13/2008 03:25:06 PM — http://www.uamont.edu/Organizations/TheVoice/4_1/tuition.htm |
