Approved tuition rates at 4 colleges are lowest in more than a decade

WKU to add five academic programs

MOREHEAD, Ky. (April 17, 2015) — The Council on Postsecondary Education on Friday approved among the lowest tuition and mandatory fee rate increases in more than a decade for students attending Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky.

“We commend the campuses for staying within the guidelines established last year by the council and for continuing their efforts to keep tuition as low as possible,” said CPE president Bob King.

Rates will increase this fall 2.9 percent at EKU and Murray State, 3 percent at UK and 3.1 percent at NKU. Last year’s rates for these institutions ranged from 4.7 percent to 5.1 percent.

All rates comply with the Council’s two-year tuition and mandatory fee ceilings set last year to balance the competing priorities of affordability and access for Kentucky students and their families with the resource needs of the postsecondary institutions given the impact of state budget cuts since 2007-08.

The council also approved five new academic programs at Western Kentucky University: Master of Arts in education in gifted education and talent development; Bachelor of Science in special education: learning and behavioral disorders and elementary education; Bachelor of Science in civil engineering; Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering; and Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. The Council also set its 2016 meeting schedule.