FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    July 11, 2007

REGENTS APPROVE BUDGET, TUITION RATES FOR NORTHWESTERN

            Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s budget and tuition rates for fiscal year 2008 have been approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Regional University System of Oklahoma.

            Northwestern will operate with a budget of $19,628,290 for the coming year, an increase of 4.6 percent over last year’s budget. But much of the increase will be used to fund increased mandatory costs in employee health insurance and benefits, utilities and fuel and the minimum wage. The University also is budgeting additional funds for tuition waivers and minimal salary increases for some employees.

            “Our budget is very conservative and our expenditures reflect our commitment to quality instruction, student services and student financial assistance,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. “We did receive a small increase in state funding, but not nearly enough to cover increased operating expenses. Unfortunately, that placed us in the position of having to raise tuition to meet our budget.”

            “Our state allocation increased about $280,000, but we will face more than $400,000 in mandatory cost increases, including more than $150,000 in utility and fuel costs, more than $200,000 in employee benefits and taxes and more than $46,000 in risk management insurance. The increase in the minimum wage will add an additional $42,600 in costs.”

            Northwestern will raise resident undergraduate tuition 8.7 percent and non-resident tuition 8.8 percent. The increases bring the standard undergraduate tuition and fee rates to $125 per credit hour for residents. Tuition for graduate students also will increase.

            To help offset tuition increases, Northwestern will dedicate $2.65 million for scholarships and tuition waivers.

            “We are very sensitive to any increases in tuition and the effect that it has on students and their families,” Cunningham said. “When you compare our total cost of attendance with that of peer institutions across the region, Northwestern remains very affordable. However, we will continue to work diligently to control costs and seek scholarship support from the private sector.”

            Tuition at Northwestern is only 85 percent of the cost of tuition at peer institutions designated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

            Cunningham said this year’s budget does not provide for across-the-board salary increases for employees, although salary schedule and market demand adjustments will be awarded to faculty. Staff compensation adjustments were made for changes in title or responsibilities.

            If enrollment for the fall semester meets or exceeds projections, Cunningham said that salary increases or stipends for employees would be considered.

“Without dedicated employees Northwestern cannot fulfill its mission,” she said. “We risk losing valuable faculty and staff unless we remain competitive in compensation.”

Cunningham said budget priorities for the next year will reflect the institution’s new strategic plan with focuses on strengthening the student academic experience, supporting faculty development, enrollment management, fundraising, improving infrastructure, external affairs and partnerships.

A major initiative of the strategic plan is the establishment of an Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs with a full-time employee dedicated to assisting the University secure appropriate grants and contracts.

Other priorities include construction of the Woodward Campus, renovations of the Science and Health and Physical Education buildings, improvements to the north side of campus, and celebration of the Oklahoma Centennial and 110th anniversary of the establishment of Northwestern.

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