University students’ wallets may feel a little fuller than those of students from other schools, but that doesn’t mean their brains are emptier.A new study by the College Board, a not-for-profit association whose mission is to help students achieve college success, named the University as one of the best value public flagship institutions, according to a report released Thursday.The University’s tuition for in-state students is $2,564 less than the average tuition at other public doctorate-granting schools, according to the report. Chancellor Michael Martin cited these numbers as evidence a potential fee increase for students is merited.”[The study] shows that the education LSU gives its students is worth so much more than we charge for it — and that we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for a fair price for the education we provide, especially if we are going to remain competitive among the top universities,” Martin said in a statement.The University’s tuition and fees total $5,233 for the 2009-10 school year — more than $2,000 less than the $7,668 average for the universities of Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.Faculty Senate president Kevin Cope said the rating could be a double-edged sword.”The ‘best value’ rating is a mixed signal in a sense in that it shows the University is doing a lot economically but that condition is not a sustainable one,” Cope said.Martin said the University is one of the most efficiently run in Louisiana. Data shows state institutions put about an average of 55 percent of their budgets into academic programs, while the University dedicates about 68 percent, he said.”The University’s ranking on the list is a testament to the importance of the University’s dedicated students and faculty to the state,” Martin said, and he hopes the ranking shows the legislature its commitment to the University is vital.”[The legislature has] been able to build a very successful program that is highly accessible, and we should keep it that way,” he said. “The state of Louisiana has benefitted enormously from having a great flagship university that doesn’t prevent anyone from attending because of finances.”Sarah Tanksley, psychology sophomore, said one reason she chose to come to the University was the quality of education and the affordable price. She took classes at the University of West Georgia in high school and said it doesn’t compare to LSU.”The quality wasn’t as good as this,” she said. “I’ve had a better experience taking regular classes here than honors classes there.”Brenda Bergeron, food science freshman, said she came to the University from out of state because her major is not offered everywhere, and the University has a quality program. One reason the University may not be able to keep up that quality is budget cuts, which could hurt faculty salaries, Martin said. Cope also recognized that problem, saying it is typical in the academic world for there to be “faculty attrition” if two or more years go by without raises.—-Contact Ryan Buxton at [email protected]