KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) -The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a tuition and required fee increase Thursday, but college official say it falls well below the tuition-increase restraint cap proposed by the governor and the Michigan Senate.
Tuition and required fees will rise by 3.2% for the 2021-22 academic year. Trustees also adopted the University’s general operating budget of $379 million for the fiscal year set to begin July 1, 2021 and set housing rates.
Though the state has not yet finalized its overall budget, the governor and the two chambers of the Michigan Legislature have submitted proposed spending plans for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The Senate and governor’s proposals each ask that public universities keep tuition increases to no more than 4.2%, or $590, whichever is greater. The latest Michigan House proposal does not include tuition-restraint language.
Starting this fall, the annual costs for a full-time state resident who is newly admitted to the University as a freshman will be $13,434 in tuition and required fees, which is up by $417 over the previous year.
“Amid rising expenses and uncertainty surrounding WMU’s state operational funding, ensuring the educational experience at Western is both exceptional and affordably priced is the focus of our decision-making process when we determine tuition,” says Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and vice president for academic affairs, noting the University did not increase tuition for the 2020-21 academic year.
The full tuition and required fee schedule for the 2021-22 academic year will be available at wmich.edu/registrar/tuition by end of the business day June 25, 2021.
The board Thursday also set 2021-22 housing rates. Effective this fall, there will be a 3% increase in student room and board rates for residence halls. The annual cost for room and board in a traditional residence hall with a 14-meal plan option will be $10,338.
Trustees also approved rates for on-campus apartments and apartment-style residential units. Keeping costs in alignment with the surrounding community, per-person rates for existing unfurnished units will rise between $0 and $20 a month, depending on the complex, unit style and amenities chosen.
Arcadia Flats, the newest campus housing complex offering a combination of living styles, will see no rate increases for 2021-22. Western View and Stadium Drive apartment rates will increase by 2.5%.
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