Compact aims to freeze tuition levels at university/state colleges

Gov. Dave Heineman and leaders from the University of Nebraska and Nebraska State College System have proposed a compact to eliminate tuition increases for students for two years.









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UNMC students would experience no tuition increases for 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 if a compact by Gov. Dave Heineman and leaders from the University of Nebraska and Nebraska State College System is approved by the Legislature.
“In Nebraska, we understand that education is the great equalizer and that’s why education is a priority for me,” Heineman said. “Investing in education is important to Nebraska’s future. It is also critical that our postsecondary institutions manage their resources efficiently to control their costs.”

Budgeting for students

Heineman’s proposed two-year budget includes funds necessary for the university and state colleges to freeze tuition for Nebraska students for two years.

Heineman recommends the University of Nebraska’s state appropriations increase from its current level of $498 million to $541 million in fiscal year 2015, and that the Nebraska State College System’s funding increase from $45.5 million to $49.6 million in fiscal year 2015.

If the Nebraska Legislature agrees to the governor’s funding recommendations, the university and state colleges have agreed that they will freeze tuition for Nebraska students at UNL, UNK, UNO, UNMC, Chadron State, Wayne State and Peru State for 2013-14 and 2014-15.

NU officials appreciative

University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken thanked Heineman for his efforts to invest in higher education in Nebraska.

“State support is crucial to sustaining the priorities of a great University of Nebraska system — including affordable access to high-quality education,” Milliken said. “The investment recommended by the Governor will put us in a strong position to continue to serve Nebraskans, and I am grateful for his leadership in recognizing the important role higher education plays in economic competitiveness.”