FORT WORTH -- Effective next fall, tuition for undergraduates at TCU will be $36,500 per year, an increase of 5.8 percent. The increase, approved recently by the board of trustees, continues a trend for the private university. Tuition has increased from $22,980 in 2006 to $34,500 this school year. When room, board, books and supplies are added, the estimated cost for the fall and spring semesters is $46,350.
"Our students desire a high quality educational experience that includes a personalized setting with a low student to faculty ratio, facilities equipped with cutting edge technology and an exceptional on-campus living environment," Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. said in a news release.
"The results of this kind of experience are evident in the number of students who find jobs, go on to graduate school and, ultimately, become leaders in the global community. At the same time, we must continue investing in financial aid to help those who need financial support to obtain a TCU degree."
The amount of scholarships and financial aid available for incoming students will increase by 7.5 percent, or about $7 million, according to TCU.
Some students turned to Twitter to discuss the tuition increase.
"When are people [the TCU student body] going to realize that there will be a tuition increase every year? Stop complaining, it's inevitable," wrote one student who describes herself as TCU Class of 2015.
Kathleen D'Urso, a sophomore, told the Star-Telegram that many students are "naturally unhappy" about the hike. But she understands that increases are a reality.
"Most private universities increase their tuition each year," D'Urso said. "I am also confident that I am getting my money's worth and that the tuition increase will go toward making my degree worth even more in the future." The increase will help pay for 16 new staff positions, including academic advisers for the College of Nursing & Health Sciences and the College of Education.
It will also help pay for improvements including the development of an Intellectual Commons area on the east part of campus.
That project will include transforming the Mary Couts Burnett Library and adding a new instructional building east of the library.
Poster Comment:
2013-2014: $36,500
2012-2013: $34,500
2011-2012: $32,400
2010-2011: $30,000
2009-2010: $28,250
2008-2009: $26,900
2007-2008: $24,820
2006-2007: $22,980
2005-2006: $21,280
2004-2005: $19,700
2003-2004: $17,590
2001-2002: $15,040
1999-2000: $12,290