Riots and incivility, metaphorically speaking, have broken out because of recent increases in tuition.
And while the University’s tuition is set to steadily increase, Chancellor Michael Martin says it is in the student body’s best interest.
“If it comes down to it, it is in the best interest of LSU to pay more either through tuition or fees,” Martin said. “I believe if you pay more now, it is going to cost you less in the long run.”
Martin said the advantages of increasing tuition are two-fold.
As money from increased tuition will help bridge the budget gap, the University will be able to offer adequate classes and sections, leading to a quicker graduation for most students.
“If we have to take the kind of cuts we have to face, even at 10 percent, and we have to remove sections and options, you may be here another year to get your degree,” Martin said. “And another year cost you two ways: the cost of being here and the cost of not having a job.”
Martin also argued increased tuition would bolster the quality and reputation of the University, leading to better job prospects for graduates.
“You don’t get to drive a Bentley for the price of a Taurus,” Martin said. “We believe we are giving a very high quality of education at LSU, and to diminish it would tax folks like you for the balance of your life.”
In the past two years leading up to this school year, the University exercised legislatively granted authority to increase tuition by 5 percent.
The University again crusaded the idea of further increasing tuition through the LA GRAD Act, which was approved in the legislative session.
Ten-percent tuition increases for the next six years would see undergraduate tuition and fees steadily increase to nearly $8,000 annually for in-state students.
Out-of-state tuition is projected to to reach more than $25,000 annually, assuming out-of-state fees are increased by 10 percent, as well.
The passage of the LA GRAD Act allowed potential 10-percent increases for six years, or until the University reaches the Southern Regional Education Board average for tuition.
As tuition increases nationwide, administrators say it is unlikely the University will close the more than 30-percent gap between its SREB peers in six years.
Administrators reason students will not feel the sting of increased tuition because aid from TOPS covers the increases.
As the legislative session approaches, the University administration is now seeking authority to increase tuition indefinitely without legislative approval.
As of 2009, the University tuition was the lowest among its peer institutions as designated by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
Martin also said he supported abandoning the block schedule for tuition by charging more per credit hour when students take more than 12 hours in a semester.