Slight Tuition Fee Increase for Fall at TAMIU

Students at Texas A&M International University will see a slight tuition increase beginning this Fall 2005, despite strong legislative efforts to provide full higher education funding.

On average, full-time students will pay an additional 9.7 percent in tuition and fees for the Fall 2005 semester, equating to approximately $155.00 based on a 12-hour class load.

The fee  increases will be used to fund new faculty positions, student scholarships and merit increases. These increases will also assist the University in developing additional academic offerings in accordance with its table of programs as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Among areas with increases applied are tuition, computer access fees, international fees, ID card fees and Library access fees.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said he realizes any increase impacts students and their families, but noted that the University continues to benefit from remarkable legislative support which will fund critical growth areas.

"Our Legislative team led by State Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini and Representatives Guillen and Raymond, have once again provided the leadership that will allow us to deliver excellent higher education programs for our students and community at large, complete our campus' construction plan and explore new degrees and programs. 

"While the increases seem challenging, these same fees in various ranges will be implemented across the state. Our fees have traditionally remained among the lowest in the State and we are confident that this will continue to be the case. We also appreciate the funding support provided by the Legislature, which will enable us to add critical teaching lines that provide new faculty and provide much-needed support for merit increases for deserving faculty," Dr. Keck said.

Keck said he is also confident that the University's continued growth and development will also help to secure additional formula-based funding in the future.

"We believe that semester credit hours, upon which formula funding is based, will increase at least 5 percent in this biennium, which will impact future funding," he added.

Keck noted that despite increases in costs, higher education remains the single most important factor in enhancing both an individual and a community's quality of life.

"Higher education remains an investment that we make in ourselves and in our community. There is indeed a certain cost to achieving that investment, but the returns last a lifetime and insure the elevation of the individual and the community to our collective highest potential," Keck concluded.

For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu