Public
Policy and Higher Education in the West: A Tuition and Fee Update
Resident undergraduate tuition and fees charged by public institutions in most of the Western states continued to increase in 1998-99, once again outpacing inflation. In two-year institutions, the one-year change in tuition and fees for in-district residents ranged from a decrease of 7.7 percent in California to an increase of 7.2 percent in Idaho. Changes in undergraduate tuition and fees in four-year institutions ranged from a 3.8 percent decrease in California to a 9.4 percent increase in Idaho. New state and federal policies were adopted to expand access to higher education and reduce the financial burdens on students and their families. A number of policy questions arise in light of these developments.
The rising cost of higher education has been a major public concern in the past decade. This issue of Policy Insights summarizes current information and historical trends on resident undergraduate tuition and fees charged by public institutions in the WICHE region. Policy implications are explored within the context of these data. Complete data are available in Tuition and Fees in Public Higher Education in the West: 1998-99, Detailed Tuition and Fees Tables, published by WICHE in November 1998.
Public
Four-Year Institutions
Public Two-Year Colleges
Policy Implications
Conclusion
This issue of Policy Insights was prepared by Ying Ling, research associate at WICHE. She can be contacted at 303/541-0255 or by e-mail at yling@wiche.edu.
Policy Insights is a series designed as a companion publication for WICHE's recently published fact book, Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States. Drawing on the indicators contained in the fact book and information from other sources, Policy Insights examines current issues in higher education from the perspective of policymakers at the state level and on the campus. Paper copies of any Policy Insights can be ordered electronically though the WICHE Publications Order Form. There is no charge for paper copies of Policy Insights.
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education -- WICHE -- promotes and facilitates resource sharing, collaboration, and cooperative planning among western states and their colleges and universities. This includes communicating research information and policy analysis on vital issues in higher education to education and government policymakers. Member and affiliated states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher
Education
P.O. Box 9752
Boulder, CO 80301-9752
David Longanecker, Executive Director
Cheryl D. Blanco, Director, Policy and Information
Tel: (303) 541-0224 FAX: (303) 541-0291
E-mail: Policy@wiche.edu