Higher costs for Va. higher education

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg approved a tuition increase Friday, to help bring the budget back in balance.

Spokesperson Suzanne Seurattan said this was the first step in a three-pronged effort. The second step the school is taking, is to use federal stimulus money earmarked for next year's budget this year instead. Thirdly, the College is reducing its operating budget $1.5 million, which includes the elimination of 18 positions.

Taylor Reveley sent a letter to William & Mary families Friday, which stated:

"...This morning our Board of Visitors also reluctantly approved a mid-year tuition increase of $300 for undergraduates as well as graduate business and law students. The increase will be included in bills for spring term 2010. We are simultaneously increasing financial aid for those in greatest need. We raised tuition at mid-year with great reluctance, and only after a careful assessment of the damaging impact further cuts would have on the academic program. While I realize this news will not be welcome, it is important that you have it quickly."

The University of Mary Washington is also increasing its tuition to help offset drastic state funding cuts.

The Board of Visitors at the public university in Fredericksburg voted Friday to increase tuition by $100 per full-time student to raise an estimated $435,000. The increase would take effect in the spring semester and would be prorated for part-time students.

University officials say the revenue primarily would go toward maintaining academic programs and for need-based financial aid. The school also is trimming spending for 2009-10 by more than $2 million in response to state budget reductions announced in September.