IUP To Switch Tuition Plan From Flat Rate To Per-Credit
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- For decades, full-time students at most of America's universities have paid a flat-rate tuition fee, which entitles them to carry a full course-load of studies, usually 15 credits per semester.
But beginning this fall, Indiana University of Pennsylvania will charge its in-state undergraduate students tuition based on the exact number of credits they take.
"What this really means is that it's about students paying for the classes and the credits that they take," says Michelle Fryling, executive director of communications and media at IUP.
Educational consultant Connie Pollack advises local high school students and their families about college options, and she says the IUP change is about one thing.
"They are trying to boost their revenues some way to make up or balance their budget," Pollack told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.
In fact, IUP is up front that per-credit tuition fees are likely to cost many students more in tuition payments.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
"Certainly while no one wants to see students pay more, the big picture is that we're facing a deficit," says Fryling.
"We're facing budget challenges just like every other university in the state, and this is one of the ways that we can maintain our quality and maintain the access that our students deserve and they need by unfortunately passing these costs on to the students."
IUP students had mixed feelings.
"It's too much. It's too time consuming. You have to think about the money. Will you have it to pay for it?" says Shekiethia Keele.
"I know a lot of college students are on a budget, so I think it will help them out a lot," adds Julie Drnjevich.
While one estimate is that over three-quarters of IUP's in-state students will see a tuition hike, others may get a short-term break.
"For those students taking under 12 credits, this will be a savings," says Fryling.
Pollack says, other than community colleges, most schools are likely to stick with flat-rate tuition.
