University of Nebraska could hike tuition midyear

Posted By: Rachael Miner

rminer@klkntv.com

Students at the University of Nebraska could soon be paying even more for tuition.

The Board of Regents met Thursday morning to discuss the school’s budget for the 2018-2019 school year.

More budget cuts has the board looking at all options to makeup for the shortfall, including a tuition hike.

"I am asking you to authorize me to raise tuition in January," said NU President Hank Bounds. 

The increase would affect the spring semester of the 2018–2019 school year, but it will only come if Governor Ricketts recommends another midyear cutback.

In the past two years Governor Ricketts and lawmakers have cut part of the universities allocation, forcing the school to absorb over 24 million dollars in loss.

The board voted 7-1 in favor of the budget.

University President Hank Bounds says the school is out of quick options to make up the budget shortfall, but students should not expect a significant hike if the funding is cut further, "We are not recommending a tuition increase beyond what was approved last year in this budget."

The board already approved a 3.2% increase in tuition last year which means undergrads will be paying $7.50 more per credit hour this fall.

Regent Hal Daub of Omaha was the one member to vote against the plan.

He says a tuition raise is not in the students best interests.

"I think we were elected and one of the biggest things we’re supposed to look after is the cost of our kids and families who come to the university and tuition is a key part of that. I think we ought to vote on it, I think it’s our elected responsibility," Daub said. 

If more funding is cut the university says it will work with students who receive financial aid to make sure they can get the money needed to cover the tuition increase.