Tuition continues to increase

Out-of-state students returning to the university this fall are facing a $2,000 increase in tuition. Delaware residents are seeing their tuition go up by $500.

Under the new tuition rates, announced July 6, out-of-state students will pay $24,240 annually, a 9 percent jump from last year. In-state students will pay $9,040, a 5.8 percent increase. Over the past five years, tuition has increased by a total of $8,000.

"The increase in tuition and fees is directly related to our goal of providing an exceptional educational experience, improving student services and increasing need-based financial aid," university President Patrick Harker said in a statement.

This year's increase for out-of-state students is a mirror of last year's, but in-state students face a smaller increase than they did last year. In 2009, in-state tuition increased by $760. The tuition hike is the latest in a series of fee increases this year. In May, the Board of Trustees approved a $360 increase in the housing fee and a $212 increase in the cost of a meal plan.

The board also raised the student comprehensive fee by $108 to pay for improvements to Frazer Field and the Bob Carpenter Center.

All fees considered, it will cost out-of-state undergraduates who live on campus an additional $2,680 to attend the university this year. In-state students living on campus will see a $1,180 increase.

All graduate students are paying $24,240 this year, the same as out-of-state undergraduates. Last year, the university eliminated in-state rates for graduate students.

Officials attributed the increases to utility rate hikes, a reduction in proceeds from the endowment and a cut in state aid to the university.

In addition, economic woes have resulted in a rise in demand for financial aid, which is partially funded by tuition revenue. Approximately 13 percent of this year's tuition increase is earmarked for financial aid, officials said.

Senior Phillip Hoyos said he was frustrated that funds are going to financial aid.

"I understand President Harker and the university are trying to help the demand for more financial aid," Hoyos said. "But I have found myself looking at my school bill and being forced to take out an extra student loan to help pay for this tuition increase."

Sophomore and Delaware resident Jessica Zerillo said she was not aware tuition rates were increased.

"I always knew out-of-state students paid more, but to find out I will have to pay an extra $500 this close to the semester starting blows my mind," Zerillo said. "I believe Delaware should have given students a heads up during the past spring semester, since students are always distracted during the summer with work and other activities."

University spokesman David Brond said the timing of the announcement about the tuition increase was based on the state of Delaware's schedule.

"Twelve percent of our university's budget is by support of the state," Brond said. "Delaware as a state finalizes its financial issues and then UD's literally on midnight of June 30."

Brond said there has generally never been a great amount of negative feedback regarding tuition increases.

Junior Sam Baker said she believes increasing tuition rates is sometimes necessary.

"UD has the right to raise the tuition rates if they are going to be able to answer to all the requests we as students have," Baker said.