SASKATOON - Following Board of Governors’ approval in December, the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has released tuition rates and fees for the next academic year.
Both undergraduate and graduate programs will see increases ranging from zero to five per cent. Tuition rates in the College of Arts and Science, where nearly half of students are enrolled, will change by 2.5 per cent on average. With the increase, the university projects the overall rate to be 18.1 per cent below the median rate of comparable programs in Canada. The average arts and science student will pay $6,102 for tuition in 2017-18.
“The board considers many factors when setting tuition rates,” said Lee Ahenakew, chair of the U of S Board of Governors. “We understand overall affordability is a significant consideration for our students and their families, and we strive to keep tuition increases manageable, while still ensuring the quality of our programs remains high.”
Tuition rates are reviewed annually by the board based on the principles of comparability, affordability and accessibility, and enabling quality. Tuition revenue comprises about 25 per cent of the university’s operating budget and is used to ensure ongoing program offerings; fund specific enhancements in programs, student services and the student experience; maintain overall program quality; and to set aside needs-based assistance for students who have modest financial resources. The balance of the university’s operating revenue comes from the Government of Saskatchewan, interprovincial funding, investments and other sources.
“The tuition our students pay is an investment in their futures and they rightfully expect to see value for that investment,” said John Rigby, interim associate provost, Institutional Planning and Assessment. “Meeting those expectations is very important to us, and the revenue brought in through tuition is used to maintain and enhance the programs and services we offer so our students receive the level of education and support that will see them be successful long after they graduate.”
More information about tuition at the U of S, including specifics about next year’s rates, is available at usask.ca/tuition.
A university spokesperson will be available for media interviews on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 9-11 am and 3-4 pm.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851