Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, May 31, to receive input on a proposed increase in student tuition and mandatory fees for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years. The hearing will begin at 11 a.m. in Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede II at Fifth and Chestnut streets.

The proposed increase, the lowest in 12 years, is 3.5 percent for resident and non-resident students in each of the next two academic years. For an Indiana resident enrolled on a full-time basis, the recommended tuition and mandatory fees for 2011-2012 will be $3,991 per semester, an increase of $134.

"This recommendation is the result of careful deliberations and substantial efforts on behalf of the entire university to reduce costs. Maintaining affordability and ensuring a quality educational experience for our students are our prime considerations," said Daniel J. Bradley, president.

Indiana State's state appropriation was cut by 5.4 percent for the 2011-12 fiscal year, a decline of nerly $3.9 million. In addition, no funding was provided for maintenance and upkeep of the university's buildings and infrastructure. During the past three years, ISU's state appropriation has declined by about 12 percent or a total of more than $9.2 million.

Bradley indicated that the latest cuts bring ISU's state appropriation down to the same level as the 1996-97 fiscal year.

"Indiana State has made significant cuts in expenditures for the past several years to control costs and provide resources to address unavoidable increases in areas such as health care, utilities and repair and rehabilitation of facilities. The reallocation for the coming fiscal year alone will exceed $3 million," Bradley said.

Bradley indicated that the university will continue to search for and implement operational changes that reduce costs to keep tuition affordable. The university will also increase the funding it provides for student financial aid by 3.5 percent to help students receiving institutional aid cover the increase in tuition and fees.

At the May 31 hearing, university officials will provide a brief overview of the budget process before opening the floor for public comments. Each individual is asked to limit comments to three minutes or less.

Media contact: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu