House leaders applaud UVA downward tuition adjustment

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell and House Republican leaders applauded the University of Virginia’s decision to cut its tuition increase in half.

The university announced Thursday that tuition for continuing in-state students would increase by 1.5 percent for the 2016-2017 academic year, adjusted down from an originally planned three percent, as a result of the General Assembly’s significant investments in higher education.  The final budget adopted by the House and Senate provides $120 million in new funding specifically to help keep tuition costs down and improve access for Virginia students.  The General Assembly’s total investment in higher education is $78 million more than originally proposed by Governor Terry McAuliffe.

“The University of Virginia’s decision is a direct result of good governance by both state and university leaders,” said Speaker Howell (R-Stafford).  “The General Assembly made significant investments in higher education aimed at improving access and affordability for Virginia families and UVA responded decisively by cutting its tuition increase in half.  I thank the Board of Visitors and President Sullivan for their leadership.  This decision will have a positive impact on thousands of Virginia families and is a clear demonstration of UVA’s commitment to improving access and affordability.”

“The House of Delegates led the effort this year to increase funding for higher education, resulting in $120 million specifically to help hold costs down for Virginia families, who continue to struggle with the ever-increasing cost of college. UVA’s decision to cut its tuition increase in half for the next academic year is exactly why we pushed for such a significant investment,” said House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights). “The leadership demonstrated by the Board of Visitors and President Sullivan is beyond encouraging and reflects very highly on the university.  We hope to continue to work collaboratively with colleges and universities to improve access and affordability in the future.”

“Throughout the 2016 General Assembly session, my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and I were clear that the investments in higher education were aimed at helping our students and families.  The University of Virginia is demonstrating leadership by reducing its tuition increase as a direct result of the funding provided by the General Assembly,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk).  “UVA is setting a bold example for other colleges and universities to follow.  I applaud the Board of Visitors and President Sullivan for their decisive action today.”

 

Higher Education Budget Highlights

• Includes $78.6 million more than Governor McAuliffe proposed for higher education funding.
• Includes $130.2 million GF for access, affordability, and institution-specific initiatives
• Allocations to Colleges and Universities for Access & Affordability

 

Institution	GF Amount	Institution	GF Amount
CNU	$2.2	UVA	$10
CWM	$3.4	UVA-W	$2.0
GMU	$15.7	VCU	$12.3
JMU	$7.3	VMI	$1.7
LU	$2.1	VT	$17
UMW	$4.6	VSU	$2.4
NSU	$2.0	RBC	$0.7
ODU	$12.1	VCCS	$20.2
RU	$3.6	Total	$119.2

• Provides $44.0 million for a 3% average faculty salary increase
• $55.7 million for financial aid
• $12.5 million for new workforce training credentials program
• $2.0 million for TAG grants bringing awards to $3,300 by FY 2018