Princeton University will increase its tuition and fees by only 4.6 percent next year -- its lowest increase in almost 30 years. The overall costs for undergraduates for the 1996-1997 school year will be $28,325, according to a report by the Priorities Committee to the President of Princeton. Tuition will be $22,000, while room and board rates for 1996-1997 will be $2,900 and $3,425 respectively. According to Princeton Associate Provost Georgia Newton, the lower tuition increases have been a priority at Princeton for the past five years. "The president has been especially encouraging us to move in this direction," Newton said. "Whether we'll be able to continue this trend is a separate question." Princeton is also facing a budget deficit of approximately $4 million, $2 million of which can be attributed to the salaries of professors on leave. The Priorities Committee suggested cuts in funding in almost all areas of the university. While Princeton is not decreasing the number of faculty members, funding for research projects has been cut, Newton said. And financial aid will increase to "stay even" with its current need-blind policy, according to the report. "We have been affected by the concern that tuition costs are actually rising higher than the medium income family can afford," Newton said. High school juniors and seniors are worried that they will have a difficult time affording college, according to a survey conducted by Who's Who Among American High School Students. "A message has clearly been sent from the public that tuition is a substantial burden," Newton said. Other Ivy League institutions are trying to bring the rising costs of undergraduate education under control. "The range among the whole set of schools is very small -- under $1,000," Newton said. "We're all in thinking along the same lines." Last year, the Ivy League saw an average tuition and fee hike of 5.8 percent. Penn's tuition increased 5.7 percent -- from $18,856 to $19,898, according to Student Financial Services. It was the lowest increase in more than 20 years. University spokesperson Barbara Beck said Penn officials will not know the rate of tuition increase for next year until April or May. According to the College Board, the average tuition at a four-year private college is $12,432, whereas the average tuition at a four year public university is $2,680. As colleges and universities are struggling with rising expenditure costs, several have been able to cut or freeze their tuition rates for next year. The 22 campuses of the California State University system have maintained the same tuition rate since last year and are not planning to increase it this year. And Massachusetts public colleges announced last Wednesday that they are cutting tuition five to 10 percent next year.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.