UM-Flint Announces Tuition for 2008-2009 Academic Year

Tuition at the University of Michigan-Flint for the 2008/2009 academic year will increase less than 6%, while institution financial aid will jump almost 8%. The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved a 5.9% increase for in-state, full-time undergraduate students at the June 19 meeting. This latest increase is the lowest at the University of Michigan-Flint in the past three years. The average tuition increase at a Michigan public university last year was more than 10%.

"I am pleased that in spite of rising fixed costs, we were able to keep the tuition increase at one of the lowest levels in years," stated Interim Chancellor Jack Kay. "The University of Michigan-Flint offers an outstanding educational experience for students, and we will maintain the exceptional level of teaching and scholarship that we are known for throughout the region."

A typical in-state, full-time undergraduate student with 12 credit hours will pay an average of $3,714 in tuition and fees per semester this coming year. The average tuition increase for in-state, graduate students will be 4.9%. The cost of tuition and fees for graduate students varies from program to program. Despite continuing cost-cutting efforts, the university is preparing for significant spikes in operational expenses during the coming year. The escalating price of gasoline alone will have a considerable effect on the university. Campus fuel costs are estimated to surge 57.4%.

Other increases include:

– Health insurance to increase by 9%

– Utilities will increase by 6%

– Dental insurance to increase by 4%

The continued growth of the university and the opening of the new residence hall this fall have created the need to expand the hours of operation across the campus. The additional hours will impact the budgets of several key departments that provide support services.

"The university continues to operate under enormous budget constraints," stated Interim Chancellor Kay. "Since 1987, our state funding has steadily declined from 67% to 29% of total operating revenues. We are committed to making quality education accessible to all citizens even during these tough economic times."