Anne Utech came to MSU from Ottumwa, Iowa, to further her education - and that means she pays out-of-state tuition.
But what she didn’t realize was that the higher costs apply to study abroad programs as well.
“I participated in a women’s studies program in London, but I had to take less credits and there were some misunderstandings,” the dietetics and nutritional sciences senior said. “That’s where I got the first idea that there was something wrong.”
MSU’s policy is that out-of-state students pay more to study abroad than in-state students. But non-MSU students pay lower costs to participate in the university’s study abroad programs.
“If we want to achieve a high participation rate and get enough students, we need to create a study abroad in between rate,” Utech said. “I realize it’s a big problem logistically to change the university billing system, but I truly believe we are justified a new study abroad rate.”
Utech has talked to other students from Indiana and Iowa who don’t have enough money to pay a higher rate for regular tuition and study abroad costs.
Although she did participate in the program once, she said she wouldn’t do it again unless the cost structure is changed.
Kathleen Fairfax, director of the Office of Study Abroad, said she understands the problem and recognizes it, but out-of-state students will still pay more.
“The way I’ve approached it, is that out-of-state students pay more period - here or abroad,” she said.
Fairfax said students from out of state who choose to attend MSU know they’ll pay higher costs, so they aren’t eligible for a break on study abroad.
Fairfax, who started as director in July, worked six years previously as director of study abroad at Purdue University. She said she dealt with the same issues there.
Prices for the more than 160 study abroad programs offered by MSU are hard to compare because some only last a couple of weeks and others last an entire academic year, she said.
As for non-MSU students who study abroad, they’re considered a non-degree student and pay a cheaper, lifelong education rate, Fairfax said.
Currently, 89 percent of students who participate in the university’s study abroad programs are MSU students and about 90 percent are from in-state.
MSU President M. Peter McPherson, a long-time proponent of study abroad, said he encourages all students, wherever they’re from, to study abroad regardless of costs.
“If they stay on campus or study abroad they will still pay the same money,” McPherson said. “It doesn’t make a difference one way or another, but I think studying abroad will expand the experience for students.”
