SUNY tuition hike expected

As we’ve reported, costs at public colleges and universities are on the rise, most often due to state budget cuts to higher education.

Unfortunately, the State University of New York (SUNY) system is not exempt from this trend.

SUNY tuition to rise by $300 in 2014

According to Buffalo Business First, the SUNY board of trustees is set for its annual approval vote this week in New York City to raise tuition at SUNY colleges by $300, effective for the fall 2014 semester.

This follows the SUNY Rational Tuition Plan that took effect in 2011,  which allowed each SUNY and City University of New York (CUNY) campus to raise undergraduate tuition for in-state residents by $300 per year for five years.

Costs up for out-of-state and graduate students

As part of the agreement, SUNY schools can raise tuition by $500 for graduate education, with some professional schools having the ability to increase their number 9 or 10 percent each year.

Non-resident tuition can be increased anywhere from 5 to 20 percent each year, depending on the program.

Colleges are not required to raise tuition, but several have chosen to raise it by the maximum amount each year.

An affordable public college option

Despite the tuition increases, several colleges in the SUNY system are still considered among the “best bang for your buck” in U.S. higher education, for both New York residents and out-of-state students.

For a reasonably priced college education, the SUNY system ranks among the best. But if cost is a concern, don’t limit your college search to public colleges alone.

Many families are surprised to find out that some private colleges offer enough financial aid that they end being more affordable than state schools.

If you’re looking for a college your family can afford without going broke, we can help. Give Rick and Andy a call at 1-888-234-3907 or send us a message.