Washington universities may get power to set tuition rates
Washington state lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan that allows universities to raise their own tuition rates.
A bill approved by the state House on Monday led to outcry from students, who have already seen a 30 percent tuition hike over the past two years and face double-digit increases in each of the next two years. Lawmakers are increasing those rates in an attempt to offset budget cuts.
The tuition increases are somewhat offset by an infusion of financial aid that amounts to $100 million. Democratic Rep. Reuven Carlyle of Seattle says the bill is necessary to ensure that state universities remain accessible.
Carlyle says he expects the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University will increase tuition beyond amounts already anticipated in the budget.