Trustees approve 3.86 percent tuition increase
The Henderson State University Board of Trustees has approved a 3.86 percent increase in tuition for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
This increase brings tuition for in-state undergraduates to $215 per credit hour, from last year’s cost of $207 per credit hour. In-state graduate students will pay $262 per credit hour, up from $254 per credit hour.
This year’s increase in tuition will assist the university in achieving goals outlined in the Henderson State University strategic plan, said Henderson President Glen Jones. Among those plans is an increase in scholarship funds for students.
“We are sensitive to rising costs for our students and their families,” Jones said. “We are also aware of the need to offer greater student services to help increase our students’ chance of success in and out of the classroom.”
Over 90 percent of Henderson State University students receive financial aid. With this year’s budget, the total amount of academic scholarships awarded will increase over $750,000.
A series of focus groups with current students conducted during the spring 2016 semester brought forth a proposal to raise student activity fees in order to increase student events on campus. Prior to this year, the university charged a flat activity fee of $60 if an undergraduate or graduate student was enrolled full time.
For the 2016-2017 academic year, students will pay $5.25 per credit hour in activity fees. In addition, the athletic fee was increased by $1 per credit hour
The board also approved the following new degrees:
• Bachelor of science degree in criminal justice
• Bachelor of science in education in computer science and business education (4-12)
• Online bachelor of science in nursing degree program for registered nurses
• Online master of science in sport administration
In addition, the board approved minors in engineering physics, museum studies and public administration/public management. Additionally, the board approved seven undergraduate business certificates – business IT, fashion marketing, financial services support, integrated marketing communication, nonprofit management, personal financial planning and personal sales.