The Higher Cost of Higher Ed
Year in Review: 2008
Through December 24, BU Today is looking back at the mostpopular stories of the year. We’ll be back with new stories for the newyear on Monday, January 5. Happy holidays!
The price of tuition and room and board at Boston University will rise by 4.5 percent next year, putting the total cost of studies and room and board at $47,958 for the 2008–2009 academic year. Tuition will increase from $34,930 to $36,540, and room and board from $10,950 to $11,418. Last year, the national average increase in the price of tuition, room and board, and fees at private four-year nonprofit institutions of higher education was 5.9 percent, according to the College Board. Average price increases for the 2008–2009 academic year have not yet been tallied by the board.
In a letter sent to BU students and parents earlier this week, President Robert A. Brown acknowledged the financial burden placed on families by the cost of higher education. Brown said the University expects to spend more than $164.8 million next year on undergraduate financial aid.
“We remain focused on controlling expenses while also increasing gift and endowment income that can be applied to financial aid,” Brown wrote. “We also are committed to continually increasing the value of a Boston University education by improving the quality of our academic programs and student life on campus. Our commitment to you is clear: for the benefit of our students and graduates, we will do all that we can to sustain and improve Boston University’s position as one of the very best private universities in America.”
University Provost David Campbell said the Student Village II residence, now nearing completion on West Campus, is one effort to make Boston University more attractive to prospective students. He said the University is also planning to renovate the College of Fine Arts and the School of Law.
“We are trying hard to minimize the burden on parents, but we are also trying to improve the quality of education and the lives of students,” Campbell said. “Better facilities and increased academic excellence are required to stay competitive and attract the best students.”
Art Jahnke can be reached at jahnke@bu.edu.
This story originally ran March 12, 2008.
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