BSU to OK lowest tuition hike in 4 decades

MUNCIE, Ind. — An increase in state funding will help Ball State University keep its tuition hike next fall to the lowest in more than 40 years.

The university's board of trustees plans to approve a tuition hike of 1.25 percent for in-state undergraduates during a meeting on June 7.

Indiana lawmakers approved a 3.2 percent and 1.7 percent increase, respectively, for Ball State operating appropriations for fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19. State appropriations exceeding $130 million in both fiscal years represent about a third of the university's general fund budget. Tuition is the main source of revenue.

The university says its "prudent management" of state and tuition funds led to the smallest proposed tuition increase in decades.

Strong legislative support, a low tuition increase and robust enrollment reflect the health of the institution, according to Rick Hall, chairman of the board of trustees.

“Thanks to the collective efforts of the entire university community, Ball State approaches its 100th anniversary from a position of strength,” Hall said in a release from the university. “As we welcome the leadership of Geoff Mearns as our 17th president, we look forward to even greater success.”

As of May 3, applications for enrollment at Ball State totaled 24,054, compared to 17,903 applications at the same time three years ago.

Also as of May 3, Ball State had confirmed the admission of 4,303 freshman for the fall, including 831 out of state students, who pay more tuition than Indiana residents.

Ball State's latest bond rating is "Aa3,"  "stable" outlook, a tie with Central Michigan, Kent State, Miami and Ohio universities for best in the Mid-American Conference. Three other MAC schools (Bowling Green State, University of Toledo and University at Buffalo) also have "stable" outlooks, while Western Michigan University's outlook is rated as "positive" and the University of Akron, Eastern Michigan University and Northern Illinois University's outlooks are rated as "negative."

The university fared well in the state's performance-based funding formula and says it is on solid financial ground, with balanced budgets, low staffing levels compared to peers, low expenditures compared to peers, and strong financial ratios in addition to the high bond rating.

The state Legislature this session also appropriated $87.5 million for a new 175,000-square-feet STEM building to house Ball State's biology, chemistry and geology departments.

The funding allows the university to continue to vacate the outdated Cooper Science Complex, which has been called "an eyesore," rigid and an "energy hog" that would be difficult to renovate.

Lawmakers two years ago earmarked $62.5 million to construct another, 165,000-square-feet building to house the university's new college of health. It will be built first and will include nursing/health sciences programs.

The Legislature also earmarked $2.7 million in each of the next two fiscal years for building repairs and renovations.

Contact Seth Slabaugh at (765) 213-5834.