Wayne State University will maintain its status in 2010 as a top value in higher education even though its Board of Governors adopted a 5.4 percent increase in undergraduate tuition today in its July meeting. The university will mitigate the action with a buydown using federal stimulus dollars, bringing the tuition increase to 4.8 percent for Michigan-resident undergraduates. This is a net increase of $11.50 per credit hour or $316 per year over 2009. Wayne State's tuition is still 12th among Michigan's 15 public universities, even though it is one of only three Michigan universities -- along with the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University -- that are ranked in the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's top research category.

The tuition increase was passed with "much sensitivity to the impact on students and with the sad understanding that even this modest increase is a burden," according to a resolution also issued at today's meeting. This document from the Board of Governors conveys to students and their families recognition that "the most important role of university leadership is to provide quality, affordable, accessible education" and, at the same time, "it is imperative to maintain the university's status as a premier urban research university." The Board reaffirmed its commitment to "continue and intensify an ongoing analysis of all operations of the university with the goal of identifying additional efficiencies and aggressive cost-cutting measures that will transform the way Wayne State University conducts business...The world has changed...we can no longer countenance business as usual." This commitment intensifies efforts which have resulted in budget cuts of more than $50 million over the past several years.

Wayne State also took unprecedented steps to ensure that current and prospective students will continue to have access to a quality education. "Academic excellence is the core of a Wayne State education," said Wayne State University President Jay Noren. "We believe that students who have the will to achieve-both in higher education and in life-should also have the way. We strongly encourage our students to take advantage of the substantial financial aid assistance Wayne State has available for them, and we will continue to find creative ways to keep the door open to a quality education in these challenging economic times."

Although Wayne State will continue to focus on urban research, education and outreach, providing financial aid and keeping tuition low remain top priorities despite a budget crisis that has crippled state funding for higher education.

Wayne State has historically returned 27 cents of every tuition dollar to financial aid, providing significant help for students with financial need, and this year has instituted a number of special financial aid programs in recognition of the difficult economic times. They include:

"Aim Higher for Students" fundraising campaign: Introduced by President Jay Noren at his inauguration, "Aim Higher for Students" is focused on student scholarships and has so far raised more than $800,000.

The WSU Financial Aid Stimulus Package: Program doubles the amount of need-based financial aid for the majority of WSU students.

WSU Alumni Tuition Reduction Program: Wayne State alumni (or their spouses) who recently have lost their jobs can take up to four classes at 50 percent of the cost of regular tuition.

"Yellow Ribbon" program for veterans: Wayne State participates in a national program that allows returning veterans to attend the university at a reduced rate.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.