Additional State Funding Leads to Reduction in Tuition Increase at PSU

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

With additional funding from the state, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel says he will reduce a planned tuition increase and help more students complete their degrees. Funding for all seven public universities was increased to $700 million for the 2015-2017 biennium by state lawmakers, which included $30 million more than the original budget had called for.

Wiewel vowed to use PSU's share of the extra $30 million to lower a planned 4.2 percent increase in tuition and fees for Oregon undergraduates, hire more advisers and faculty, and invest in other services that support students.

"I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the need to invest in the success of our students," Wiewel said. "Many thought the dissolution of the Chancellor's office would lead to the universities fighting with each other. In fact, we're collaborating better than ever resulting in increased funding."

The Legislature also approved $60 million in state bond funding to renovate Neuberger Hall, home to classrooms, labs, faculty offices and student services such as admissions, financial aid and registration. Built in the 1960s, it is one of the most heavily used buildings on campus and is in urgent need of significant work to continue to operate safely.

The new state budget brings higher education support closer to 2007-09 funding levels. State support for PSU and Oregon's other six universities had been cut 38 percent since 2007, adjusted for inflation. During that same period, enrollment at the seven universities grew by 23 percent. The cuts have resulted in Oregon ranking near the bottom nationally for state support at No. 47. Wiewel and the other Oregon university presidents will continue to advocate the Legislature in the next session for the additional $55 million needed to reach 2007-09 funding levels.

Major legislative decisions affecting PSU
* PSU's share of $700 million for all seven universities, with distribution to be determined by HECC
* PSU's share of statewide $65 million allocated to all seven universities for deferred maintenance projects
* $60 million for Neuberger Hall renovation
* $50 million for Broadway Student Housing complex
* $10 million for land purchase of the University Center Building site

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