Alright, alright, alright everyone, there’s been a lot of talk about budget cuts here at UConn, thanks to the state government. The best weapon against something one doesn’t like is an informed opinion. We’re going to break this whole situation down for you, with numbers, facts, what’s being done, and what you can do.
Why’s this happening? Plain and simple, the university is running at a $40 million+ budget deficit. This is obviously not an ideal situation. The university has decided it needs to raise tuition in order to maintain academic quality, while working to close this financial gap. On top of that, the budget the university is receiving from the state is getting slashed left and right as the state itself works to make sure they remain within their own budget.
How much is my tuition going up? In state students will see their tuition raise from this year’s in state cost, at $10,524, rise to $13,700 by the year 2019. For an out of state student, tuition this year was $32,066 and by 2019 will be raised to $36,466. This does not include room and board, or any student fees you pay. Tuition is going to steadily increase over the next few years.
But what about that $5 million budget cut that just happened? If you didn’t know about this, now you know. On March 16, Governor Malloy signed off on immediately cutting $5 million from UConn and UConn Health. Though this is a significant hit to the university, the university has not decided how they will respond to this specific cut.
What’s being done besides raising tuition? The university is looking to cut costs by introducing hiring restrictions, reducing the workforce here at UConn, eliminating positions, consolidating and closing programs, and trying to make the university more efficient overall, as stated in the resolution the Board of Trustees passed recently. While all of these things are certainly valid ideas, no university strongly benefits academically from things like program cuts. In addition, as the cost to attend the university goes up, the university plans to increase financial aid. The university wants to continue its rise as a top tier public institution, thus, it can’t cut too much more than it spends.
What can I do? Seriously, call your state representative. Every voting district in Connecticut has one, and it’s easy to find out who yours is by doing a quick Google search. Call, email, make sure that they don’t cut the budget more. Members of the government are elected by the people, for the people. At the state level, your voice can truly make a difference. If you’re from out of state, call the representatives of this voting district here in Storrs. Tell them why you came to UConn, all the things it’s done for you, what the budget cuts mean for you, for your family, for your future.
Bottom line: This is disappointing at best, I know. I’m an out of state student, I pay a lot of money in tuition, I’m looking to go to grad school, and my family isn’t going to be coming into a 31% increase in our incomes anytime soon. Ask questions, because if you let this go unquestioned, it’ll just happen. The absurd cost of college in this country isn’t something you can sit by and watch happen. I believe students should be able to go to college and not pay more in one year than they’ll make the year after they graduate. I know a lot of you do too. Best of luck, and remember, at least we were here for a fourth national title. Go Huskies!
