U of S announces 2011-12 tuition rates

Students in the walkway between the Agriculture and Geology Buildings
Photo by Liam Richards
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"The Board of Governors carefully considered a number of options related to tuition, always keeping in mind the principles of comparability to other institutions, affordability and accessibility for students, and the need to maintain quality programming," said Board of Governors Chair Nancy Hopkins. "Decisions around tuition are always carefully considered and we believe the increases we have set for the coming year are consistent with the university's strategic goals, including enhancing the student experience."
Most programs will see increases of 3.2 per cent or lower. (See attachment for detailed rate increases).
Tuition revenue (a combination of the new rates and projected enrolment increases) is projected at $6.1 million in 2011-12. About $2.4 million of the overall tuition revenue increase will be directed to existing operations of the colleges and the university, while the remaining $3.7 million will fund enhancements to programs and services.
"This new arrangement will work to the benefit of students in programs seeing higher than average increases," explained Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic. "The increase in resources will allow colleges to address supports for students such as financial aid, student advising, curriculum innovation, increased research activity and, in some cases, hiring professors to achieve competitive student/faculty ratios."
The University of Saskatchewan has been increasing financial assistance to graduate and undergraduate students, and spent $27 million in 2009 on scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries for students.
Tuition revenue comprises about 22 per cent of the university's operating budget. The Province of Saskatchewan provides about 70 per cent of the university's operating budget and has provided the university consistent increases in recent years. Remaining revenues include interprovincial funding, investment and other income. The university's 2011-12 operating budget will be announced in mid-May.
For more information on tuition at the U of S, including a factsheet and the 2011-12 rates, visit
http://www.usask.ca/tuition
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson, Media Relations Co ordinator
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca