Ohio University Regional Campuses Tuition Increase is 7 Percent
Contact: Vice President for Regional Higher Education Charles Bird, (740) 593-2553, or Media Specialist Jack Jeffery, (740) 597-1793 or jefferyj@ohio.edu
ATHENS, Ohio (July 2, 2001) -- Tuition and fees at Ohio University's five regional campuses will increase by 7 percent for the 2001-02 academic year, less than the 8 percent increase at the main campus in Athens. The tuition amounts were set during Friday's regular meeting of the Ohio University Board of Trustees.
Tuition for full-time undergraduate students at Ohio University's regional campuses will range from $2,988 to $3,519, depending on the academic program.
Approximately 8,000 students are enrolled at Ohio University's five regional campuses: Ohio University-Chillicothe, Ohio University-Lancaster, Ohio University-Zanesville, Ohio University Eastern in St. Clairsville and Ohio University Southern in Ironton.
The regional campuses offer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees programs.
"The regional campuses continue to offer an added value for students by combining the resources and reputation of Ohio University with the convenience of pursuing a college education without leaving their own communities," Ohio University Vice President for Regional Higher Education Charles Bird said.
Citing "great reluctance and concern, but out of necessity," Ohio University President Robert Glidden asked the trustees to approve the tuition increases.
Although the recommendation was unanimously approved by members of the board of trustees, they also expressed concern and "unhappiness about the position in which we find ourselves," according to chairwoman Pat Ackerman.
Public and some private universities share a grim budget outlook, Glidden said, as public support dwindles during a faltering economy, leaving students, parents, and private donors to pick up the slack. "Public higher education especially faces the challenge of how to strike a balance between access and quality," Glidden said. Scholarship support is key, he added, pointing out that this year about $3.5 million will be added to the university's scholarships. Total university student aid funds will be nearly $11.6 million this year, up from $6.7 million in 1997.
