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CMU fourth most expensive for freshmen
University has highest tuition increase in state
By: Mike Ellis
Issue date: 8/23/07 Section: Money Matters
- Page 1 of 1
Central Michigan University now is the fourth-costliest public university in Michigan for incoming freshmen.
A year of classes at CMU - 30 credits - will cost freshmen $9,120, an increase of 21.1 percent more than last year.
Before the introduction of the CMU Promise in 2005, the university was among the least costly schools.
"You have to remember, coming in the door it might be like that," said Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Caponigro. "But it is still a tremendous deal over time."
The increases at the 15 universities ranged from 6.4 percent to 21.1 percent, averaging 10.2 percent. Many schools' boards said their tuition raises this summer stemmed from uncertainty surrounding the state budget and university appropriations.
This year's tuition increase means CMU's incoming class of 2007 is paying double what their peers did four years ago. In 2003 a year of tuition would have cost $4,463.
Room and board, required for most freshmen, costs $7,236, for a total of $16,356 for tuition and room and board.
"That 21.1 percent is inaccurate if you're comparing us to other universities," said Steve Smith, director of media relations. "Take Michigan State, their increase would be 9.5 percent (its 07-8 increase) times five, which would be 48 percent."
Based on the latest rates, Saginaw Valley State University might be the best deal for a college education in Michigan. This year its freshmen are paying $6,258 for 30 credits.
But Caponigro said tuition at CMU remains a good deal because of the Promise, a guaranteed tuition rate program for up to five years.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing the tuition rate years in advance is what Caponigro, who has a son attending CMU, said was the real benefit.
Smith said tuition at CMU is high for those entering, but becomes competitive beginning the second year.
In fact, he said, CMU came up with a projection that gives the university the second lowest tuition rate by 2012. The projection uses an average rate increase of 7.6 percent - the average for state universities over the last five years.
Unlike other universities, CMU can only increase tuition for incoming students, graduate students or those who have been attending for more than five years. Incoming students, mostly freshmen, make up 20 percent of all undergraduates at CMU.
Another misleading aspect of tuition rates, Smith said, is universities other than CMU charge more for students in higher grade levels.
"We are still well below the middle of the pack in our overall tuition," he said.
news@cm-life.com
A year of classes at CMU - 30 credits - will cost freshmen $9,120, an increase of 21.1 percent more than last year.
Before the introduction of the CMU Promise in 2005, the university was among the least costly schools.
"You have to remember, coming in the door it might be like that," said Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Caponigro. "But it is still a tremendous deal over time."
The increases at the 15 universities ranged from 6.4 percent to 21.1 percent, averaging 10.2 percent. Many schools' boards said their tuition raises this summer stemmed from uncertainty surrounding the state budget and university appropriations.
This year's tuition increase means CMU's incoming class of 2007 is paying double what their peers did four years ago. In 2003 a year of tuition would have cost $4,463.
Room and board, required for most freshmen, costs $7,236, for a total of $16,356 for tuition and room and board.
"That 21.1 percent is inaccurate if you're comparing us to other universities," said Steve Smith, director of media relations. "Take Michigan State, their increase would be 9.5 percent (its 07-8 increase) times five, which would be 48 percent."
Based on the latest rates, Saginaw Valley State University might be the best deal for a college education in Michigan. This year its freshmen are paying $6,258 for 30 credits.
But Caponigro said tuition at CMU remains a good deal because of the Promise, a guaranteed tuition rate program for up to five years.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing the tuition rate years in advance is what Caponigro, who has a son attending CMU, said was the real benefit.
Smith said tuition at CMU is high for those entering, but becomes competitive beginning the second year.
In fact, he said, CMU came up with a projection that gives the university the second lowest tuition rate by 2012. The projection uses an average rate increase of 7.6 percent - the average for state universities over the last five years.
Unlike other universities, CMU can only increase tuition for incoming students, graduate students or those who have been attending for more than five years. Incoming students, mostly freshmen, make up 20 percent of all undergraduates at CMU.
Another misleading aspect of tuition rates, Smith said, is universities other than CMU charge more for students in higher grade levels.
"We are still well below the middle of the pack in our overall tuition," he said.
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Mandy Helmer
posted 8/23/07 @ 12:51 PM EST
"Another misleading aspect of tuition rates, Smith said, is universities other than CMU charge more for students in higher grade levels"
I'm starting my sixth year. (Continued…)
M.R. Wernette, `72
posted 8/23/07 @ 3:17 PM EST
Everyone involved has evaded the basic principle of why Central Michigan was created; created by the citizens of North Central Michigan area so their children would have a chance at attending a school of higher education especially for teaching, business, & science that was especially affordable to the rural-based population. (Continued…)
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