University of Wisconsin students could be paying more for their education next year. The UW Board of Regents is being asked to approve a 5.5 percent increase for instate undergraduate tuition.
System spokesman David Giroux says it’s meant to help campuses hit that “sweet spot” between affordability and quality. He says they want to make sure a college education remains obtainable for most in the state.
The proposed hike means an average increase at four-year universities of $396 a year and $247 on two-year campuses. The UW-Madison is on the top end of the hike, with a $681 increase. When combined with fees, it will bring tuition at the state’s flagship campus above the $10,000 mark.
It’s the sixth straight year the system has hiked tuition by 5.5 percent. Giroux says they are trying to keep the cost of a UW education affordable, while also handling the over $300 million in cuts campuses received under the last state budget.
The Board will consider the tuition increase when it meets later this week.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:21)