Universities Waiting for Council on Postsecondary Education Ruling on Tuition Increases

by Charlie Compton, Kentucky Public RadioLate action on a state budget has put Kentucky’s public universities and community colleges in a bind. Schools still don’t know how much they can raise tuition for the coming academic year. The Council on Postsecondary Education won’t set limits on tuition increases until April 28th.Eastern Kentucky University Vice President Debbie Newsome says such uncertainty is difficult for universities and students.“It’s critical for students, all students entering college that tuition be set as soon as possible so they can make a decision as to which college to go to as well as so they can get their financial aid packages from the college they’re attending or the various other colleges they may be applying to," she says. The council is expected to allow the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville to hike tuition rates six percent. U of L officials have already proposed such an increase, which would further require approval from the school’s board of trustees.The CPE will consider five percent tuition increases for regional universities like EKU and four percent for community colleges.