Mosaic

Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: News

As the cost of living continues to rise, the costs of obtaining a college degree increase as well. Students and their parents of Salve Regina University, face some hefty bills to pay as the tuition increases over a four year span.

Currently, the tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year is $37, 150, which is $2, 174 higher than the 2006-2007 academic year. With approximately 2,586 students making up the university's total population, and 2,090 undergraduates paying full tuitions, Salve Regina will receive approximately $77,643,500 this year.
The yearly increase in tuition is due to a number of things that both distinguish Salve Regina University from other New England institutions and maintain the operation of our university for the present and the future.

Economic conditions, as well as demographical statistics are weighed when considering a tuition increase. Salve Regina University's Chief Financial Officer, Bill Hall, pointed out, "One of the first things that we look at is our competition. We look at schools like Assumption College and Saint Anselm College, as well as other New England schools to see how we compare."

Also, when considering a tuition increase, the school evaluates improvements for the benefit of their students, faculty and staff. An example of an improvement was the installation of the RIPTA program, which allowed members of the university community to ride Rhode Island public transportation free within the state by showing their Salve ID.

Another improvement Salve considers is better security systems, which provide a better, safer environment for our community. Also considered are the economic conditions, such as the price of gas and food.

"If the price of gas increases, and we heat our buildings with gas, cook with gas, use gas to fuel our vehicles, then we would need to increase tuition to reflect that," Hall said.

The majority of the revenue students pay for room and board pays for Salve's contract with Sodexho, who is responsible for providing dining services. Sodexho is accountable for all of the dining areas including, Miley cafeteria, Skyranch Grille, Global Café, Jazzman's, as well as the convenience store, Miley Mart.
Pat Greeno, a student from the class of 2010, was in awe when he heard some of the figures. After putting his own tuition into context, Greeno stated, "I think it really depends on how much you get involved and take advantage of what you have, especially within the area. That's how I think you truly get your money's worth out of tuition."

Continued...

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