CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University (APSU) is looking at a 5% increase in tuition and fees for undergraduate students. This proposed hike is less than the 6.5% limit set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The extra funds will be used to improve student experiences and to cope with rising salary and contract expenses.
Currently, APSU has the second-lowest undergraduate tuition among public universities in Tennessee. To help ease financial pressure, the university has rolled out new scholarships and increased the value of existing ones. Notably, they now offer free tuition plans for Tennessee families earning under $75,000 a year.
The APSU Board of Trustees will discuss this proposal on April 11. When considering a tuition increase, the board looks at many factors, including state support, market conditions, and the overall cost of attendance. They also take into account the financial impact on students and various enrollment goals.
According to THEC, student debt is a growing concern. A report from 2022 showed that nearly 50% of Tennessee graduates leave school with debt, averaging around $30,000. It’s crucial for institutions like APSU to balance the need for funds with the need to keep education affordable.
For those wanting to share their thoughts on the proposed tuition increase, comments can be submitted through the Tuition Transparency and Accountability website at this link. Written comments by mail can also be sent to the Secretary to the Board, P.O. Box 4576, Clarksville, TN 37044, but they’ll need to be submitted by April 9.
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