CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University is considering a 5% increase in undergraduate tuition and fees.
The proposed increase for the upcoming academic year is below the maximum range set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission of 6.5%, according to an APSU news release. The revenue from the increase will be used for “enhancing student experiences and to address rising salary and contractual costs of the university.”
The university’s undergraduate tuition rate is the second lowest among Tennessee’s public universities, the release said. APSU has taken several steps to mitigate the cost of rising tuition, introducing new scholarships and increasing the value of existing scholarships. Additionally, the university has introduced free tuition plans for Tennessee resident families with an annual household income of less than $75,000.
The proposed increase will be discussed at the APSU Board of Trustees meeting on April 11. The board considers several factors when determining the necessity for a tuition increase: THEC’s binding tuition and mandatory fee increase ranges; the level of state support; the total cost of attendance; efforts to mitigate the financial impact on students; the Higher Education Price Index; student demand; campus enrollment goals; market factors; and costs associated with campus operations, programs of study or individual courses.
The public may submit written comments on the proposed increase via the Tuition Transparency and Accountability website at https://www.apsu.edu/board-of-trustees/tuition-transparency.php or by mail to the Secretary to the Board, P.O. Box 4576, Clarksville, TN 37044. All comments must be received by April 9.