The University of Central Arkansas’ 2015-16 academic year operating budget does not include an undergraduate tuition and fees increase, the university announced May 15.
The UCA Board of Trustees approved the budget, and this is the first time in more than 20 years that a tuition increase has not been included.
“This is something every university, every board member, every college president and budget officer is concerned about—the cost of attendance and keeping it as low as possible,” UCA president Tom Courtway said in a news release.
The board of trustees also approved:
- 1-percent cost-of-living adjustments for full-time employees
- $250,000 for faculty equity and merit increases
- More than $201,000 for faculty promotion and advancement
- One-time merit bonuses for UCA employees (1 to 3 percent for classified employees, and 2 percent for all nonclassified employees and full-time faculty hired by Dec. 31.)
“With the administration’s financial management and an increased focus on retention and graduation, today we were able to hold tuition rates and hopefully provide some relief to UCA students and their families,” board chairman Brad Lacy said in the release.
“It is also important to note that we were still able to fund raises and bonuses for our dedicated faculty and staff, without whom our students would not receive the superior educational and campus experience we provide at this institution.”
A resolution to allow in-state tuition to some military servicemen, veterans and their families was also approved by the board. This will begin with the 2015-16 school year.