University of Saskatchewan releases 2015-16 tuition rates

The University of Saskatchewan's Board of Governors has approved tuition increases for the 2015-16 year. On average, students will see a tuition rate increase of 2.4 per cent for the upcoming academic year.

By Jennifer Thoma
"We hear our students when they express concern about the affordability of post-secondary education," said Board of Governors Chair Greg Smith. "One of the three principles we follow when setting tuition is affordability and accessibility for students. In addition, it's important to ensure we continue to offer a quality educational experience at a cost that is comparable to our peers."

A typical student in the College of Arts and Science, where 42 per cent of students are enrolled, will pay $5,790 in tuition in 2015-16. This is projected to be 11 per cent below the median rate of comparable programs in Canada. In other colleges, most undergraduate students will see a change in their tuition rate ranging from zero to three per cent, and most graduate students will see a rate change of two per cent.

"This year's tuition announcement is two months earlier than in previous years," said Ernie Barber, interim provost and vice-president academic. "Our goal is to provide students with more time to plan for the financial resources they need for the upcoming year and to access the supports they may need to help fund their education. To assist with this support, student financial aid will continue to be a priority for the university and for every dollar collected in tuition and fees, we will invest just under a third of that amount on undergraduate and graduate scholarships, bursaries and prizes."

Tuition rates are reviewed annually by the board and based on the principles of comparability, affordability and accessibility, and enabling quality. Tuition revenue comprises 24 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; 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.

For more information on tuition at the U of S, including all 2015-16 rates, visit usask.ca/tuition

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For more information, contact:

 

Jennifer Thoma

Media Relations

University of Saskatchewan

306-966-1851

jennifer.thoma@usask.ca