Board approves budget

The Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees approved the university's budget for the 2002-03 academic year. Overall per-student spending will increase by 3 percent compared to last year.

'This budget increase reflects the university's commitment to maintain quality while keeping costs as low as possible,' said Dorothy A. Johnson, chair of the board.

In order to meet this budget in the face of flat funding from the state, tuition for full-time undergraduates was increased by just under $200 per semester. Under the tuition schedule established today, a full-time Michigan resident freshman will pay $2,527 per semester, an increase of 8.5 percent compared to last year.

'My recommendation to the board of an 8.5 percent tuition increase is in line with the agreement worked out in April between the state and its public universities,' said President Mark A. Murray. 'The state asked us to cap tuition rate increases at 8.5 percent or $425. Using the 8.5 percent, the board adopted the less costly of the two caps.'

Murray observed that the funding agreement between the state and the public universities is based on the promise that state funding will not be cut in the current fiscal year and that university appropriations will be held constant next year. 'If for some reason the state becomes unable to keep its commitment, I may have to ask the board to consider changing the rate it established today,' he said.

Murray reminded Grand Valley students and their parents that many are eligible for federal higher education income tax credits that range from $1,000 to $1,500. Many entering freshmen will also be eligible for the State of Michigan Merit Award of $2,500. Grand Valley also offers need-based financial aid as well as a wide array of scholarship and loan programs.

GVSU is ranked as one of America's 100 Best College Buys by a publication of the same name that identifies college campuses with above-average quality and below-average tuition.