STUDENT FEES INCREASED NEARLY 128% SINCE LAST TUITION HIKE

SUNY STUDENTS ALREADY PAY TOO MUCH; GROUPS URGE NO TUITION HIKE IN 2003-04 BUDGET

Today, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) released a paper on the increasing cost of public higher education in New York State. The data show, roughly, a 128-percent increase in fees at the State University of New York (SUNY) since the last tuition hike in 1995. Fees increased nearly 137-percent at SUNY’s four university centers.

"Our analysis rejects the argument that the cost of attending SUNY has not increased in seven years," said Miriam Kramer, NYPIRG’s Higher Education Campaign Coordinator. "In fact, the real cost of higher education at SUNY has risen dramatically."

According to the U.S. Department of Education, tuition and fees at New York’s public colleges are the 14th most expensive in the nation. Tuition and fees at the public community colleges are the 5th most expensive.

As costs continue to rise, state support has declined for higher education. "In the past decade, as costs have increased, state support for higher education has decreased," said George Pape, President, SUNY Student Assembly. "Something is wrong with this picture." Last month, the Grapevine Institute at Illinois State University placed New York at the bottom of the barrel as the 47th state (out of 50) in terms of tax dollars allotted to higher education. According to the Business Council of New York State, "New York spending (on higher education) is dead last among the 50 states." (Referring to per-capita and local taxpayer support for higher education).

Over 725 campus groups, including 25 student governments, have signed on against a tuition hike and cuts to higher education. In December, student representatives from campuses statewide delivered 45,000 postcards to Governor Pataki urging against tuition hikes and cuts to higher education.

For more information contact Miriam Kramer

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