Maryland state universities raise tuition

The spring semester is about to begin, and students at Salisbury University aren’t just preparing to hit the books. They’re going to have to cough up some extra change.  

Julia Seraphini, a senior at Salisbury University says, “I have been fortunate enough to where my parents have paid for my tuition since I started.”

Starting January 26th, full time undergrad students whether they are instate or out of state will have a two percent increase in their tuition.

That percentage is about an extra sixty- two dollars tacked onto their bills, and not every student is as fortunate as Julia.

Tyler Gibson, a junior at Salisbury University says, “Students who may not be able to afford the tuition on their own, will have to take note of this because of student loans and all that federal aid.”
 
The University System of Maryland anticipated about an $8 million cut to their Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and all the schools planned accordingly. Unfortunately, the cut was much greater.  

Betty Crockett, vice president of administration and finance says, “What actually happened in a recent board of public works meeting, is that $8 million became $40 million.”

That cut affects each school differently. SU was anticipating a $300,000 cut. However, now  the cut is $1.5million. $62 extra per semester might not seem like a lot, but for some financially strapped students that’s serious money.

SU tells 47ABC they are using a portion of their revenue to cover the tuition increase for students who qualify for Pell Grants.

They also know this change is catching students off guard, and will be waiving all late fees for payments for the semester.

Betty Crockett goes on, “We are doing the best we can do to make the best out of a bad situation.”