News and Events

Kansas Regents approve Emporia State tuition increase

Additional revenue to offset mandatory budget increases

Students attending Emporia State University in the fall will pay 6.8 percent more for tuition than they did in fall 2010. Despite the increase, Emporia State remains one of the most affordable state universities in Kansas.

The Kansas Board of Regents this morning approved tuition and fee proposals for the six state universities. The approved per-semester tuition and fees for Regent institutions for undergraduate students from Kansas were:

• Emporia State University, $2,318 to $2,476, a $158 increase, 6.8 percent;
• Fort Hays State University, $1,971 to $2,041.05, a $70.05 increase, 3.6 percent;
• Kansas State University in Manhattan, $3,688 to $3,828, a $140.60 increase, 3.8 percent;
• Pittsburg State University, $2,424 to $2,581, a $157 increase, 6.5 percent;
• University of Kansas in Lawrence, $4,012.45 to $4,234.45, a $222 increase, 5.5 percent;
• Wichita State University, $2,945 to $3,095, a $150 increase, 5.1 percent.

Developing the university’s tuition proposal is nearly a full-time effort that empowers the entire ESU campus in the final decision.

The Tuition and Budgeting Committee includes leadership from faculty, student government, classified staff and administration. During the fiscal year 2012 process, the committee’s recommendation was forwarded to President Michael Lane, who then presented it at a campus-wide open forum. Only then was the proposal submitted to the Regents.

“We especially appreciate the students’ feedback and participation in the process,” said Dr. James Williams, vice-president for strategic partnerships, associate provost of enrollment management and a member of the Tuition and Budgeting Committee.

“As a student, I find it very comforting to know that students sit in on the committee meetings to discuss the tuition and that student voices are not only heard, but also taken into account,” said Ashley Vogts, Canton senior and student body president.

The tuition increase was necessitated by mandatory budget increases including employee health insurance, longevity payment to classified employees and other fringe benefits, primarily KPERS rate increases on behalf of classified employees.

At the same time, the Kansas Legislature decreased funding to higher education, thus providing no other way to offset costs.

“We never want to increase tuition, however, with the lack of financial support from the legislature and ever-rising costs such as health insurance for employees and utilities, it is essential to increase revenues in order to maintain the high quality of education we provide our students,” said ESU President Dr. Michael R.  Lane. “We believe at this time, combined with our financial aid packages we remain financially accessible to students.”

Student body President Vogts agrees that ESU remains affordable for students.

At $1,932 per semester for Kansas resident undergraduate students, ESU has the second-lowest tuition cost of Kansas state universities. And, said student body President Vogts, ESU remains a highly affordable choice for degrees in a number of fields:

• The Teachers College was just recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for a training program that prepares new teachers for the 21^st century education industry;
• The School of Business is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International, an honor held by less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide;
• ESU students earn the highest percentage of graduate degrees among the Kansas Regents universities.

“Our students provide tremendous support and input as we continue to provide the excellence that Emporia State represents in the Kansas higher education system,” said Vice-President Williams, “which is just one of many ways we all are ‘Empowered by E.’”