The funding compromise struck between the leaders of Michigan’s 15 public universities and state lawmakers is a good deal for students’ wallets across the state.
Gov. John Engler announced Friday the state would not cut funding to MSU and Michigan’s other public universities so long as administrators keep tuition increases below 8.5 percent or $425, whichever is greater.
The plan has already been verbally agreed to by all parties. Universities officials have until Feb. 15 to commit to Engler’s compromise in writing.
MSU President M. Peter McPherson called the agreement “an informal covenant of mutual responsibility” and said present and future Spartans can expect the school to comply.
Last year, MSU raised tuition 8.9 percent following a 1.5 percent funding increase from the state. According to Friday’s deal, the school stands to raise tuition rates by less than last year while receiving the same dollar amount from the Legislature.
We are pleased to see state lawmakers and university officials working together to combat the budget deficit facing the state.
The 8.5 percent limit is far more acceptable than an amendment to the state constitution that would force universities to stay within a 5 percent cap as proposed by Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus.
While larger tuition increases are not always favorable, sometimes universities raise rates above normal jumps to meet demand - often those hikes would have to exceed 5 percent.
On the other hand, high tuition hikes, such as the 28 percent increase approved by Central Michigan University in December, are unreasonable.
Consequentially, Central Michigan will have to roll back its rate to meet the state deal.
While many state departments stand to receive budgets cuts next year, higher education institutions can expect relative stability.
Engler showed the state’s commitment to providing affordable higher education is something residents believe in. And university officials also have done their part in the deal by succumbing to state requests to trim costs.
Friday’s funding compromise benefits all affected parties - most importantly, the students who stand to foot tuition bills.
