University of Calgary business students could face a 46 per cent tuition hike if university administration gets its way, according to information circulated by the U of C Students’ Union.
It’s expected the university will submit a proposal to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology, calling for changes in the Tuition Fee Policy.
The jump in professional faculty tuition would be based on three calculations: How the tuition compares to other universities; what the anticipated income for alumni is; and the cost to deliver the program, according to the university.
“Nothing has been decided yet,” said Colleen Turner, vice-president of external relations at the U of C.
“Part of the rationale of doing this is that the cost of delivering this type of quality of education has increased, and the government grants have not increased at the same pace. Some of what we’re doing is just trying to bridge the gap.”
Business students currently paying $516.09 for a single course would normally have a 1.5 per cent increase, but with a proposed $240 “market modifier” on top, students could see that cost rise to $763.83. The total program would then cost $7,638.30, according to the Students’ Union.
Other faculties that may be affected are engineering, law and medicine, facing tuition jumps of between 15 and 39 per cent, as well as the MBA program and distance masters-of-education learners.
“Students are shocked and angry that their annual tuition could rise, in some cases, by thousands of dollars,” said Kay She, vice-president external of the U of C Students’ Union.
“If the proposal passes, it will create a post-secondary education system where students’ education and career choices are dependent on what they can afford.”
The U of C’s proposal follows a similar proposal by the University of Alberta earlier this year.
“Our university has a deficit that needs to be addressed, but to balance the budget off the backs of students is unacceptable,” said She.
A day of action has been planned for Feb. 2 in the north courtyard at Mac Hall, prior to a public forum at 6:30 p.m. with university Provost Alan Harrison.
