College Officials Condemn Proposal to Cap Tuition Increases as Parents, Students Praise It
The Press of Atlantic City
Diane D'Amico
April 9, 2010
College presidents are opposing Gov. Chris Christie's proposal to cap tuition and fee increases to 4 percent for 2010-11, saying they would like at least a discussion with the governor and Legislature on the issue.
Parents and students at Richard Stockton College in Galloway Township said they think the cap is reasonable.
College officials were stunned this week to discover the cap tucked in Christie's massive state budget proposal. Colleges exceeding the cap would lose state aid, which has already been cut 15 percent for next year.
"It sets a bad precedent and undermines the colleges' ability to operate," said Darryl Greer, executive director of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. He said by law, tuition is set by the colleges' boards of trustees.
Tuition caps have been included in past budgets but were inserted by the Legislature after meeting with college officials, Greer said. Last year, the colleges agreed to a 3 percent cap after receiving federal stimulus funds, which were later cut in February.
Greer said the association believes the 4 percent amount is arbitrary and usurps the authority of the colleges, which were given operational autonomy in the late 1980s. He said the governor is trying to exert more control over the colleges even as he cuts state financial support.
"This is the seventh aid cut in 10 years," Greer said. "Tuition already accounts for about 70 percent of college revenue."
Greer said he expects the cap will be discussed during the Higher Education budget hearing Tuesday in Trenton.
Tuition has increased steadily at the state's public colleges, with increases averaging 6 to 8 percent each year since 2000.
Stockton president Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. said the college will lose $3.7 million in state aid next year but must pay $3.9 million more in salaries to union employees in a contract negotiated by the state. He said the cap would leave the college about $5.2 million short of its anticipated budget needs for next year.
"Although tuition and fee caps may, on the surface, appear to help students and families, they ultimately compromise Stockton's ability to provide a high quality, affordable and accessible education," Saatkamp said in a statement Thursday.
The governor also has reportedly suggested that the union contracts be reopened. Nicholas Yovnello, president of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, said the unions agreed to furloughs and a raise deferral last year and are not amenable to making more concessions for next year.
"The colleges were supposed to bank the money they saved from the furloughs and salary deferral," Yovnello said. "We already gave back. New Jersey has to decide if it wants to support higher education."
Students and parents on the Stockton campus seemed resigned to an increase but said there should be some effort to make it as small as possible. A 4 percent cap on this year's tuition of $11,040 would add about $440 to the cost next year, not including additional increases for room and board.
Sophomore criminal justice major Nick Scannelli, 19, of Green Brook, Somerset County, is taking five courses and working at The Walk in Atlantic City. He is putting himself through college and is already planning to work three summer jobs in addition to taking loans to pay for next year.
"That's $440 more I'll have to borrow, then pay off with interest," he said.
Junior nursing major Alex Cline, 21, of Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, said she chose Stockton because it offered her a scholarship that covers tuition and fees. But she lives on campus, and expects costs for room and board to also increase.
"And I still have to pay for books, which are really expensive for nursing courses," she said. "It all adds up."
Parents touring the campus with their children Friday said the state colleges are much less expensive than private colleges, but money is still tight.
"Would an extra $400 really affect me? Probably not that much," said Peggy Tiedeman, of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, whose daughter Kellie Pendina plans to attend Stockton in the fall. "But I think they should have a cap."
Doris Baratti, of Haddon Heights, Camden County, supported the cap to help control tuition increases since many parents are doing without raises or even losing their jobs.
"If I got a 4 percent raise, I would be thrilled," she said. "I think the cap is reasonable."
Source: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_71e8529c-4437-11df-aa3a-001cc4c002e0.html