tuition increases

The governing body of the UT System mandated a 4.95-percent ceiling on tuition increases for all 15 system institutions at its December meeting, inciting discussion among University administrators of how to deal with the tuition revenue shortfall expected from the cap.

The UT System Board of Regents' decision to limit proposed tuition increases to 4.95 percent is no victory for the University.

Certainly, we all share the Board of Regents' desire to maintain affordability and access to higher education in Texas, but the board's resolution amounts to a "one size fits all" approach and is not in the best interest of the UT System, its component institutions or its students.

Amid pressure from state lawmakers and students, the University of Texas System took the unprecedented step Thursday of capping tuition increases at its nine academic campuses.

For the next two school years, tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates can go up no more than 4.95 percent or $300 a year, whichever is greater.

Rising college tuition costs are not being ignored by Congress. The House Committee on Education and Labor examined factors contributing to tuition increases and solutions to make college more affordable at a hearing Thursday.

The hearing was announced after a report released by the College Board found that tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities have increased by 31 percent in the last five years.