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Carole Mikita Reporting The cost of a college education is increasing again this year. The Board says these increases are good news for students, but what are students saying? Raising tuition doesn't sound like good news, but with costs increasing each year, the fact that today's increases are the lowest since 2001 may sound like good news.
Beginning in the fall of 2007, students at Utah's 10 public universities can expect to pay an average of 6.5% more for tuition. Students will also see student fees increase by about 4%.
Mike Lee, University of Utah student: "It increases every year, so it's just the way it goes."
Amanda Covington, State Board of Regents: "Students will be paying a little bit more, but because of the help from the legislature this year, they won't be paying dramatic increases."
This year's increase is almost 4% lower than last year's numbers, but what does it mean for Utah college students? The Utah Board of Regents voted for 4% at all 10 state institutions. Most of the schools then approved additional increases.
State Board of Regents Approved Tuition Increases for 2007-2008
| Institution | Increase (%) since last year | Increase ($) per semester |
|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | 7.5% | $150.00 |
| Utah State University | 7.0% | $119.00 |
| Weber State University | 7.0% | $98.00 |
| Southern Utah University | 7.0% | $108.50 |
| Snow College | 5.5% | $49.00 |
| Dixie State College | 9.0% | $96.00 |
| College of Eastern Utah | 4.0% | $34.00 |
| Utah Valley State College | 6.7% | $93.80 |
| Salt Lake Community College | 6.0% | $60.00 |
| **USHE Average Undergrad.** | **6.6%** | **$74.00** |
| Utah College of Applied Technology *(not included in USHE Average)* | 4.0% for Adults per membership hour | $0.05 per membership hour |
The Board members say the increases help fund higher salaries for professors, which were approved during this year's legislative session. The money also helps pay for student-approved projects, improved computer labs and technological upgrades.
