NMSU board of regents approves 2.4 percent tuition increase; university will cut $9.2 million

The New Mexico State University board of regents on Monday approved a 2.4 percent tuition hike.

The tuition hike is to help offset the university’s declining enrollment rate. Declining enrollment means NMSU has to cut $9.2 million from its budget.

The 2.4 percent increase in tuition and fees translates to $72 per semester for full-time (12 credit hours) undergrad students.

That means students will pay an additional $144 next year, making tuition a little over $6,000.

The board also approved a tuition hike at community college campuses, including a 1.5 percent increase at Dona Ana branches.

The money will be used in several areas, including student scholarships, first-year student advisors and student success programs.

There were concerns amongst members about raising tuition for students..

But the money is needed.

NMSU President Garrey Carruthers says the increase in tuition is a manageable amount, but students disagree.

“If you look at our tuition rates and our costs at NMSU, it’s relatively low,” Carruthers said. “You look at 15 other universities and we’re one of the least cost generations around. so we think we’re being very fair to our students”

NMSAU student Armando Valdadez disagreed.

“For people who are not on scholarship or who are struggling to pay for it, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do,” Valdadez said of the tuition increase.

There is a bit of a relief for those who live on campus because the board rejected a proposed 2 percent increase in student housing rates.