A request for increases in tuition at all Arkansas State University campuses including Mountain Home is before the school’s board of trustees at its meeting Thursday in Newport.
According to information in the board packet, ASUMH is seeking an increase of $2 per student semester credit hour from $94 to $96. For a full-time, in-state student enrolled in 30 credit hours in an academic year, the increase translates to $60. Records indicate this is the third consecutive year ASUMH has sought to increase its tuition.
In comparison, the tuition rate for North Arkansas College in Harrison posted at the school’s website, indicates the cost per credit hour is $71 for Boone County residents and $96 per credit hour for other Arkansas residents for the fall 2017 semester.
At nearby Ozarka College in Melbourne, the tuition rate posted on that school’s website is $88 per credit hour for in-state students.
In addition, ASUMH is proposing increases for two fees and two new ones. The increased fees are an additional $2 for returned checks and an additional $35 for an online tool for paramedic students. The agenda notes ASUMH is seeking to add $25 fees for agriculture and machining labs.
In the executive summary explaining the need for the requests, it is noted with state funding remaining flat for the fiscal year that begins July 1, ASUMH officials are requesting an in-state tuition increase of 1.8 percent. College campuses operate primarily on state funding, tuition and fees and private gifts.
The summary also notes through attrition functions have been reorganized and seven positions have been eliminated saving more than $308,000 annually.
The local campus budget for 2017-2018 is $10.9 million.
In other items on the board of trustees’ agenda regarding ASUMH, Chancellor Robin Myers has submitted a request reducing the membership of the local board of visitors from 11 to nine, along with a staggered list of terms for the proposed members, with the first three expiring June 30 2018. Those three members are Jeff Gunn, Joyce Letchenberger and Ray Stahl.
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