Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

TUCSON - College tuition is a hot topic at all three Arizona universities.

Next week The Arizona Board of Regents will vote on proposed tuition hikes and fee increases.

Here's a breakdown of how things could look at the University of Arizona.

In state undergrad tuition could increase more than $1400 to about $72 00.

Out of state students would pay $2,000 more.; at almost $23,000 per year.

In addition to tuition hikes, a slew on new fee increases totaling more than $700.

All this could take effect in the fall.

On Monday night, students and community members had one shot to address The Arizona Board of Regents before next weeks vote.

It was a packed house, filled with mixed emotions.

In a teleconference all three universities participated.

Darien Douglas, a music major is in favor of paying more if it means bettering the university.

"Also this money will buy music software. This would also cover classroom technology and new stereo equipment," says Douglas.

The majority in this room oppose raising tuition, saying paying for college is too expensive already.

"No student should be denied access to education in Arizona because you cannot afford to pay for a gym membership, to pay for organic foods in the student union or to pay for plasma TVs in the library," said student Connor Mendenhall.

If passed, it will be the steepest tuition hike in eight years. UA President Dr. Robert Shelton says it's necessary to attract faculty and stay competitive.

"In the next couple years we need to make up about 60 million to sustain the quality to make sure that the UA degree still carries the great value it does today," says Shelton.

Dr. Shelton says students receiving financial aid, will pay a reduced price.

But for some, that's little comfort during the worst recession in decades.

Emily Fritz wants the board of regents to re-work their proposal and hold off on voting.

"And in a time like this there are sacrifices that must be made and it may not necessarily be the ideal situation, so as students we ask the regents and university presidents to meet us half ay and come up with what really is essential," said Fritz.

Her wish will likely not be granted because a vote is scheduled for Thursday, March 11th in Tucson.