Q: Why does tuition need to increase?
A: Faced with a debilitating economic downturn and decline in state support for higher education, the university’s Board of Governors had no choice but to raise tuition. State appropriations and tuition are the two major sources of revenue for the university’s general fund. Given the continuing downward spiral in state appropriations, the increase was necessary to preserve Wayne State’s academic excellence while maintaining accessibility for students.
Q: How much will tuition be this year?
A: For the academic year 2009-10, Michigan resident freshmen will pay $250.90 per credit hour, compared to $239.40 per credit hour last year.
Q: What is the omnibus fee, and will it also increase?
A: The omnibus fee will increase $4.30 per credit hour for undergraduates. It is used primarily to maintain, upgrade and replace student computing and technology resources on campus. A portion is used to fund student activities, including athletics. This year’s fee will include expansion of university health clinic services for the campus community.
Q: How does Wayne State’s tuition compare to Michigan’s other public research universities?
A: Wayne State is one of only three universities in the state ranked as Research University/Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The other two schools are the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. WSU has the lowest tuition of the three, and in 2009 our tuition was less than all but three of the 15 public universities in the state.
Q: Why is an education from a research university beneficial to students?
A: Research universities are held to a high standard of academic excellence that directly correlates to student success and achievement. Research universities are leaders in developing breakthrough technology and faculty are at the forefront of their disciplines. Students can engage in undergraduate and graduate research with world-renowned professors, tackling real-life problems and making positive contributions to society. These students gain important hands-on experience in their field before they even seek positions in the workforce or higher education.
Q: Did Wayne State raise tuition last year?
A: In 2008, Wayne State’s tuition increase was the second-lowest among Michigan’s 15 public universities. At the same time, WSU tightened its belt by making substantial administrative cuts. Over the last several years, Wayne State has cut more than $50 million from its budget.
Q: Will academic programs and services change even with the increase?
A: The university has pressing needs for new faculty, research support, enhanced student services and funds for deferred maintenance. These needs have been unmet for too long and their impact is being felt at all levels of the university. The present increase is sufficient only to meet the university’s most basic operating needs.
Q: How does Michigan rank nationwide for state funding of higher education?
A. Studies have shown that the single biggest cause of tuition increases in America’s public institutions is a need to replace diminishing state revenues. Over the past 12 years, Michigan ranked 49th among all states in increased support to higher education. Over the past five years, Michigan sank to dead last. Between 2002 and 2008, the state appropriation for Wayne State University declined nearly 14 percent, or $79 million when adjusted for inflation. No other Michigan university has suffered so drastic a cut.
Between 1997 and 2009, the national average for state allocations for higher education has risen by about 67 percent. Michigan, however, has increased its higher education budget appropriations only about 17 percent during that same period.
Q: Will Wayne State help students offset the tuition increase with financial aid?
A: Wayne State has historically returned 27 cents of every tuition dollar to financial aid, providing significant help for students with financial need, and this year has instituted a number of special financial aid programs in recognition of the difficult economic times.
“Aim Higher for Students” fundraising campaign: Introduced by President Noren at his inauguration, “Aim Higher for Students” is solely focused on student scholarship needs, and has so far raised more than $800,000.
The WSU Financial Aid Stimulus Package: Program doubles the amount of need-based financial aid for the majority of WSU students.
WSU Alumni Tuition Reduction Program: Wayne State alumni (or their spouses) who recently have lost their jobs can take up to four classes at 50 percent of the cost of regular tuition.
“Yellow Ribbon” program for veterans: Wayne State participates in a national program that allows returning veterans to attend the university at a reduced rate.