Two of Oregon’s largest universities got state approval for tuition increases Thursday. The hikes come two weeks after they were rejected by the same commission.
Students from Portland State University and University of Oregon continued to make their case that tuition increases may force students to drop out of college.
But PSU defended its increase, saying there weren’t better solutions. PSU officials argued to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission tha the additional tuition money would offset cuts from the state, and maintain key services, like financial aid for low-income students. Commissioners unanimously approved Portland State’s plan. It includes a commitment to scale back increases, if state lawmakers spend more on public universities.
University of Oregon also argued that its eleven-and-a-half percent increase – including fees – would protect key programs, like efforts to help first-generation college students complete degrees. U of O officials pledged to continue lobbying the Legislature for more funding. They also plan to rein in tuition, if lawmakers spend more.
Copyright 2017 OPB
