Salina Journal
When it's time to talk tuition increases, it's usually not a question of whether, but of how much.
But this year, Kansas State University at Salina is proposing no tuition increase for freshman and sophomore classes, and a "very, very minimal" 1.6 percent increase for upper-level classes. The plan was presented Thursday morning to the Kansas Board of Regents, along with tuition proposals from the state's other regents universities.
If approved, tuition would be $187.50 a credit hour for lower-level classes, and $190.50 for upper-division classes -- those numbered 300 or above.
Charging different rates for different classes represents "a new tuition structure," said Dennis Kuhlman, dean of K-State at Salina.
If approved, classes at the Salina campus would cost about $6.50 a credit-hour less than classes in Manhattan, Kuhlman said, adding he's hoping for greater divergence in the future.
Kuhlman also hopes that, as part of that structure, he can lower tuition at the Salina campus over the next five years to 15 percent less than students pay at the Manhattan campus.
Part of the reason for the split, Kuhlman said, is that upper-level classes are more expensive and often involve more equipment and other resources.
As for gradually lowering tuition relative to the Manhattan campus, Kuhlman said that's based on the fact that the Salina campus offers fewer amenities.
"We don't have the athletic teams, we don't have McCain Auditorium, so it's logical to me that our tuition rates should reflect that," he said. For major events, such as a Landon Lecture -- this year has already featured CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden and H.E. Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese ambassador to the U.S. -- the Salina campus transports students to Manhattan, and provides video feeds, "but it's still not the same as being in the same room with a world leader."
For years, Kuhlman said, tuition in Salina was below that in Manhattan and, over time, the two came closer together, and "I think we overshot the mark."
n Reporter Mike Strand can be reached at 822-1418 or by e-mail at mstrand@salina.com.
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