Iowa State University President Steven Leath recently explained the reasoning behind a proposed $300 increase in tuition, which the university’s board of regents is set to consider next week.
"With enrollment exceeding 36,000, we have
a significant need to add faculty in order to maintain high quality and an
appropriate student-to-faculty ratio,” Leath wrote. “Tuition has increased only
$100 for resident undergraduate students over the past three years. Even with
the proposed $300 increase, Iowa State would continue to be the most affordable
university among our group of peer research universities.”
According to Leath, a 41 percent increase in enrollment has put pressures on the school to recruit and retain faculty members. The funds garnered from increased tuition would also allow for expanded support services, increased services to promote financial literacy among students and making the campus safer and more accessible.
Leath also highlighted the need for private
fundraising, which has increased recently, and emphasized that the university
will continue to work to “hold down expenses” where possible.
“We understand any cost increase can be a
challenge for students and their families,” Leath wrote. “However, the revenue
provided through this increase is absolutely necessary in order for us to
maintain the academic quality and student experience that our students deserve
and expect.”
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