UTPB tuition increases

The UT System Board of Regents approved Wednesday a $10 per-semester-credit-hour tuition increase for fall 2008 and fall 2009 at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

UT Regents approved increases for all academic and medical institutions Wednesday during a special meeting in Austin.

UTPB President David Watts said the increases, based on a 15-semester-hour load, will cost the average student $150.

The increases break down into $10 per-semester-credit-hour, he said, noting that if a student takes 10 hours their tuition increase would be $100.

Included in the $10 per credit hour increase, Watts said, a $3 per credit hour student service fee while $7 goes toward designated tuition.

Regents also approved a $5 per credit hour increase to the athletic fee for fall 2008 to support program expansion and provide competitive salaries for coaches.

Following the vote, Watts said by phone from Austin that the increases mean the university may provide competitive salaries for faculty and staff while also retaining students.

In addition, Watts said the increases are modest enough to allow UTPB to keep one of three of the lowest tuition rates among the UT System's nine academic institutions.

UTPB follows UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville in lowest tuition rates, he said.

UTPB Student Senate President Iris Fierro, who presented information to Regents along with Watts, said the increases mean more opportunities for students like improving campus life with more activities.

"This is something that we're willing to take on in order to see the university prosper," she said.