Lake State sets tuition with a 5.79 percent increase

The Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees announced last week during its annual meeting that a raise in the cost of tuition and room and board has been approved.

The board increased tuition and fees by 5.79 percent, from $8,284 to $8,764 per year, and room and board by 1.99 percent, bringing it from $7,923 to $8,081.

Besides Eastern Michigan University, which did not increase tuition or room and board this year, only one other school--Grand Valley State University--had a smaller room and board increase than LSSU.

Board Chair W.W. "Frenchie" LaJoie said the decision to raise tuition and room and board rates came after hours of discussion between board members at committee meetings held July 15.

"We had tons of questions, agreements, disagreements and hours of discussion yesterday," LaJoie says. "As difficult as it is to do this, it is necessary."

The 2010-2011 budget includes no increases in salary or fringe benefits for employees with the exception of a 15-cent-per-hour raise for support staff that is expected to be approved in a newly negotiated contract.

In addition to setting budgets, the board heard encouraging news from Bill Eilola, vice president of Enrollment Services, and Ken Peress, vice president of Student Services, who noted increased numbers of students applying for admission, being accepted for admission, and applying for housing on campus.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: W.W. LaJoie, LSSU Board