ASU President Michael Crow doubled down on the University's commitment to maintain capped tuition rates in the future as he made his tuition proposal to the Arizona Board of Regents for the 2023-24 academic year at a public hearing Tuesday.
Crow detailed the University's proposal, released March 10, that includes a 3% tuition increase for in-state students, 5% for out-of-state and international students, and a 2% increase for online students. These increases are some of the highest Crow has proposed in recent years.
"We pledged more than 10 years ago that we wouldn't raise the tuition for an in-state student more than 3% in any given year, and for an out-of-state student by more than 5%, and we have lived up to that pledge," Crow said to the regents and other attendees at the meeting. "Our proposal is to continue our plan."
Crow said the higher rate is attributed to inflation and a "deep commitment" to University staff.
Crow said the University has made internal moves to maintain and serve its staff in a variety of ways, including salary increases for some faculty members. Following the remarks made by Crow and leaders of Arizona's two other public universities, the floor was open to comments from the public.
READ MORE: ASU president proposes tuition increase for 2023-24 academic year
Andrew Kalthoff, Undergraduate Student Government Tempe president who is studying electrical engineering, formally announced ASU's Council of Presidents' endorsement of the proposed increases to both the Student Services Facility and the Health and Wellness fees.
According the tuition proposal memo, the Student Services Facility fee "ensure that adequate facilities are built and maintained," and the Health and Wellness fees supplement the operation of ASU Health and Counseling Services.
"We recognize that in order for ASU to continue to be a highly competitive and globally impactful university … it is imperative to make necessary investments in our faculty, staff and world class academic features," Kalthoff said at the meeting. "The proposed tuition increase for in-state, out-of-state and international students comes with a clear understanding that individual student investment is necessary."
Multiple individuals spoke of how the proposed tuition increases will disproportionately harm ASU graduate students, many of whom said they are already struggling to support themselves financially.
"Our message for you today is clear," said graduate student Jamal Brooks-Hawkins in the meeting. "Do not approve the current proposal to increase tuition and student fees at ASU."
Brooks-Hawkins, who serves as the vice president of external affairs for the Graduate and Professional Students Association and is a third-year gender studies PhD student, said the proposed fees "infringe upon" the basic needs of graduate and professional students and will cause additional financial stress for students who have limited access to financial aid and are often unable to work full-time jobs.
Megan McCaughan, GPSA vice president of internal affairs, said some graduate and professional students are unable to provide for themselves with the current tuition and fees.
"We literally have graduate students going across the border to Mexico to receive dental care and health care because they cannot afford it. We also have a large student population that relies on food pantries at Arizona State University," said McCaughan, who is studying molecular and cellular biology. "I urge the board not to raise fees and tuition when our students can not put food in their mouths currently."
Now it has heard from students and community members, the board is anticipated to vote on approving tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year on April 20.
Edited by Shane Brennan, Reagan Priest and Piper Hansen.
Reach the reporter at pjhogan2@asu.edu and follow @PhineasHogan on Twitter.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter.
