Southern Utah University Cuts Tuition for Online Programs
Published: August 22, 2019 | Read Time: 2 minutes
On Friday, August 2, the Utah State Board of Regents agreed to cut tuition for students enrolled in Southern Utah University’s online programs. The online-only undergraduate tuition will be cut for the average student by 23% and the online graduate tuition will be decreased by about 12%. The tuition reduction will go into effect in January 2020.
About 9% of SUU students are enrolled exclusively online with the majority of those students taking classes part-time. Under the old structure, the cost per credit would plateau following a non-linear escalation of costs per credit. This plateau meant that students incurred the same amount of undergraduate fees and tuition charges within a pre-established range. For example, a student taking 18 credits would pay the same amount of tuition and fees as a student taking 10 credits; the more credits students took the less they paid per credit. Since the majority of online students enroll part-time, they paid more per credit and essentially subsidized on-campus students under the plateau model. This created a financial burden for online students.
“One of SUU’s priorities is increasing the access and affordability of education,” said Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Educational Development Roger LaMarca. “This new initiative allows us to provide the high touch, quality education that our students have enjoyed for more than 120 years at one of the most competitive prices in the nation.”
Now online undergraduate students will only pay $300 per credit instead of $389. Graduates will pay between $355 and $485 per credit instead of $393 to $555 depending on their academic program. These decreased flat rates will provide students more affordable access to an SUU education at a predictable price. This change represents Southern Utah University’s goal to help people finish their degrees and aligns with other University priorities to make a college education more attainable.
“This reduction in cost per credit within the framework of a linear tuition model allows individuals to pursue, or complete their educational goals through SUU’s many academic programs,” said Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dodge. “An increasing number of individuals are seeking college degrees that are affordable and fit within their hectic schedules. Taking SUU online courses will be the perfect solution for a growing segment of the population.”
Currently, SUU offers online bachelor's degrees in accounting, business management, communication, general studies, elementary education, and interdisciplinary studies. The registered nurse to bachelor’s in nursing program is expected to be fully online for the spring 2020 semester.
Online graduate programs include accounting, arts administration, business administration, communication, cybersecurity & information assurance, education, interdisciplinary studies, music education, music technology, public administration, and sports conditioning & performance.
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