NMSU facing budget cuts, possible tuition hike

Whether or not New Mexico State University students see an increase in tuition next year, the school’s budget will still take a significant hit.

NMSU officials say a decrease in state funding and a low retention rate is forcing them to not only possibly raise tuition but cut millions of dollars from its budget as well.

Here’s what regents will have to vote on next month:

If they choose not to raise tuition, the university will cut 6.3% from the its budget which equals $10.6 million. At a 2% tuition increase, they’ll cut $8.7 million, and at a 4% increase, the school will cut 7.4% of its budget.

During a workshop on Wednesday, regents went back and forth about how to fix the problem of a low retention rate which the school struggles with year after year. Some mentioned more marketing is needed, others suggested cutting certain majors and programs.

“We have to figure out how to find revenue opportunities,” regent Kari Mitchell said.
“Whether its recruiting in other states because our out of state is as cheap as our in state, figure it out where we stop the bleeding in retention.”

“If we get serious enough, there will have to be eliminations of programs,” NMSU President Garrey Carruthers said. “There’s no question about it. You cannot continue to just keep chipping away.”

Regents will vote on one of the 3 options, April 4.