A Message from the President
July 28, 2010 - Tuition Increase Information
We will soon be sending fee bills to students for the fall semester, which will reflect a 10% increase in tuition as approved by Act 741 of the 2010 Legislative Session.
As Southeastern and all Louisiana higher education institutions grapple with shrinking state budget allocations, the LA Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas (GRAD) Act provides this means for infusing some new revenue into operating budgets.
As you may be aware, the authority to raise tuition is contingent upon the university entering a contract and agreeing to meet various performance expectations, which include increasing admission standards and demonstrating improved student retention and graduation rates. While many of these standards are already in line with Southeastern’s existing strategic priorities, the entire Southeastern family will be called upon to help make certain these expectations are met.
The tuition increase is expected to generate approximately $4 million. However, at the same time Southeastern will incur unavoidable cost increases in several areas of operation, including fringe benefits, risk management premiums and utilities. In addition, Southeastern’s state appropriation was reduced by $1.7 million for this fiscal year.
Southeastern has a proud tradition of affordability and access to all qualified students, and even with the increases reflected above, Southeastern’s tuition and fees are still very low in comparison to other similar institutions, both within Louisiana and across the southeast region of the country.
I am proud of the resolve and dedication our faculty and staff continue to demonstrate during these trying times. Together we will strive to provide our students with the outstanding education they expect and deserve.
In the event you are questioned by a student concerning the tuition increase, please be aware that information on tuition and fees is available on our website at http://www.selu.edu/admin/controller/students/tuition/index.html. Also, in addition to conventional financial aid, hardship waivers will be available, and eligible students will be notified. For additional information concerning the criteria for a hardship waiver, students should be directed to the Financial Aid website at http://www.selu.edu/hardshipwaiver.
Despite the challenges we face, I look forward to the fall semester with anticipation as we work together for the success of our students.