Brigham Young University will raise tuition by 2.9 percent, or $45, in 2003-2004, bringing the undergraduate rate per semester to $1,575.
Although the increase is slightly less than the traditional 5-percent increase BYU has averaged over the past 10 years, it will allow BYU to meet its specific needs, said Administrative Vice President Brad Farnsworth. "We believe that through wise management we can keep our tuition costs at a lower-than-average level and yet continue to provide a quality education for our students, including mentored-learning experiences," he said.
Last year, for the first time since the 1973-1974 school year, BYU did not increase its tuition rate. At that time, President Merrill J. Bateman explained that the university "was sensitive to the current economic condition and the impact it is having on families whose children attend the university."
Bateman explained that "these families are faithful tithe payers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose funds are the major revenue source for BYU's academic budget. Many of these families are also supporting missionaries throughout the world."
Farnsworth said the university remains sensitive to the current economic climate and plans to continue with a disciplined resource planning process that emphasizes efficient use of resources.
Next year's tuition for graduate and advanced-standing students will increase by 3.1 percent, from $1,930 to $1,990. J. Reuben Clark Law School and Marriott School of Management graduate students will pay $3,255, an increase of $185, or 6 percent.
Undergraduate tuition for spring and summer terms will rise by 3 percent, increasing from $765 to $788. Spring/summer 2004 rates for graduate students will be $995, a raise of 3.1 percent.
As in the past, students who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ will pay one-and-a-half times the listed rates.
