USF Tuition Rises but Financial Aid Jumps
Citing increased costs in employee salaries and benefits, and heftier prices in library and technology acquisitions, the University of San Francisco announced on April 2 a tuition hike for the 2002-2003 academic year. But the university’s financial aid will get an even bigger boost.
Tuition for undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the School of Business, will increase 7.3 percent more per unit. Undergraduates will pay $795 per unit in 2002-2003, or $21,660 for the year, up from $740 per unit or $20,190 this year. Graduate students will pay $855 per unit next year, up from $800 this year, a 7 percent increase.
To offset the increasing cost of a USF education, university-funded financial aid will increase by 10.2 percent, or $1.6 million, next year.
Even with the tutition increase, USF remains competitive within its market. The university’s competitors includes Santa Clara University and other small, private colleges. In 2001-2002, Santa Clara and St. Mary’s in Moraga are comparable to USF’s $29,116 total for a year’s worth of tuition, room, and board. Next year, USF will increase residence hall rates by 5 percent and meal plans by 3 percent.
Tuition hikes occur consistently every year, in part because the cost of living in the Bay Area continues to rise but also because USF strives to peg its education at the highest market value, said Annette Brown Bayjek, budget director.
“The fundamental reason for tuition increases is the necessity to offer competitive salaries that attract and retain the best faculty and staff,” wrote USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. in a letter to students announcing the tuition increases. Approximately 65 percent of USF’s budget pays for salaries and benefits, he said.
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