Decision to raise tuition at NMSU on hold for now
The New Mexico State University Board Of Regents Monday tabled a vote on raising tuition by six percent pending the resolution of the state legislative session, which ended without a new state budget in place.
The proposed increase would start in the 2017/2018 school year.
Students currently taking up to 14 credits pay nearly $254, including required fees of about $50.
Among the different proposals, a six-percent increase in tuition, which would raise cost about $15 dollars per credit hour.
The proposal means incoming freshmen will pay nearly $1,600 more over a four year period, and current students taking more than 15 credits would pay nearly $200 more a semester.
Many of the public comments at Monday’s meeting were from students and faculty in favor of a proposed tuition increase.
Economics professor Jim Peach said the increase is essential. “Additional cuts really amount to cutting essential services and core functions of the university,” said Peach.
Some, like NMSU graduate student Chad Martin, called it a “modest increase.”
“I am vested in this university as much as any other student.” said Martin. “I’m more than happy to pay a few hundred dollars more a year.”
NMSU Senator William Jones said, when explained, the general consensus of the students is for the increase to maintain the caliber of the university, and faculty jobs.
“Without increasing tuition of course faculty positions would be cut,” said Jones. “That would definitely effect our quality of education overall.”
The Board of Regents delayed its vote until it learns whether the state will make any more cuts to higher education. “I understand the governor isn’t signing a budget and it’s not sure. She’s a lame duck,” Steven Griego said.
ABC-7 reached out to New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez to see when she plans to announce a special legislative session. She said she did not have a specific date, but it will be in the near future.
Gov. Martinez has 20 days to sign or veto any presented legislation from the previous session. The deadline is Friday.
