Idaho State University’s 2015-16 tuition and fees approved

Idaho State University’s proposed 3.3 percent tuition and fee increase for the 2015-16 academic year was approved by the State Board of Education Wednesday, April 15.

Resident undergraduate students will pay $6,784 and nonresident students will pay $20,182 annually in tuition and fees in 2015-16. The change represents the lowest increase in 27 years for the University.

“We have made a commitment to our students to keep their education accessible, despite rising costs,” said ISU President Arthur Vailas. “As such, we have been progressively decreasing the rate of tuition and fee increases and intend to continue to do so.”

ISU will receive an additional $500,000 to increase the number of Career Path Internship (CPI) positions available. Established in 2010, the CPI program offers paid opportunities for students to gain professional experience both on and off campus. The University currently invests more than $1.8 million to support the program, which employed more than 750 students during the 2014-15 academic year. The program has seen huge success with a 91 percent retention rate among participants.

The University has also increased scholarships, as well as graduate and teaching assistantships in an effort to help students finance their educations.

“We are committed to strong fiscal discipline, minimizing whenever possible the financial impact on our students,” said James Fletcher, ISU vice president of finance and administration. “As a University, we have elected to address budgetary needs through resource reprioritization and cost reduction initiatives.”