New Mexico State University Raises Tuition

Adding weight to an already heavy stack of books.

Students at New Mexico State University can expect to fork over even more green next semester.

NMSU Board of Regents approved tuition increases for the 2010-2011 school year.

“I’m basically ready to support this, but I’m going to hold my nose doing it,” Regent Javier Gonzales said.

In a special meeting Thursday, regents hiked tuition for full-time, in-state undergraduates 8% next semester.

The measure passsed in a four-to-one vote. Vice Chair Chris Anaya did not agree with the tuition increase and voted against it.

“I just think this one being proposed is a little too high for my taste and I just can’t accept at this point,” Anaya said.

Students displayed strong disapproval.

“Appalled, I’m appalled,” a student said.

Students say, this news is exactly what they did not want to hear as this semester comes to an end.

“I’m sure nobody’s going to be happy about it,” another student said.

Full-time, in-state undergrads currently pay $2,499 per semester. For the 2010-2011 school year, expect to cough up an extra $201… paying a total $2,700 for one semester of classes.

Tuition climbed 10.1% for full-time, out-of-state undergrads. Currently students pay $7,575 a semester. For the 2010-2011 school year, one semester of classes will cost $765 more, for a total $8,340.

“That sucks, that is a lot of money,” a student said.

Students say, the increase will affect more than just their bank accounts.

“By increasing costs, I don’t have enough money to spend on other things such as books, food, and housing,” a student said. “So it’s going to cause me to get another job, which in tern affects my schooling.”

A decision based on a $12.3 Million reduction in state funding, regents say, a tuition hike is the only way to avoid layoffs.

But students see things differently.

“A lot of people come here for the reason they can use scholarship,” a student said. “If people stop coming to Las Cruces, that could severely hurt the economy.”

“I hope they raise Financial Aid stuff as well because it’s a give and take thing,” another student said. “They need more money if they make us pay more.”

Regents say, increasing Financial Assistance will be considered as one of the ways students may possibly get some help with the added costs.

University of Texas El Paso students also face a tuition hike. Miners will pay an additional $140 in the Fall.