TBR Raises Tuition, Increases Overall Budget

As expected, the Tennessee Board of Regents voted today to raise tuition at its campuses by an average of more than nine percent. It’s the largest increase since 2005. But to put it in perspective – as one Regent said – it’s only about the cost of an iPhone…per semester.

The roughly $200 hike in tuition will help, but won’t completely cover state funding cuts and expired stimulus money. System Chancellor John Morgan says TBR is still stretched, even with the additional tuition revenue.

“In terms of total dollars, perhaps we have more money than we’ve ever had before. But in terms of the service burden and the service opportunity we have to serve students in Tennessee, we are truly doing more, in a more effective way, with less money.”

The Board of Regents $2.7 billion budget does include raises for faculty and staff.

Morgan says he is encouraged by recent comments from Governor Bill Haslam, who has said the state can’t continue cutting its contribution to higher education