Board of Visitors approves 2013-14 tuition and fees

The Radford University (RU) Board of Visitors approved tuition and fees for the 2013-14 academic year during its meeting Thursday, May 9, on campus.

Balancing the economic challenges currently faced by students and families, while continuing to provide a high-quality, student-focused education under the pressures of unavoidable operating costs (including state-mandated salary and health insurance rate changes, contractual escalators, utilities, and safety and security programs), the board approved tuition and mandatory fee increases totaling $386 and $981 respectively for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. Also, graduate student tuition and mandatory fees will increase $374 for residents and $616 for non-residents.

Many factors were considered in the board’s decision, including legislative actions approved by the Virginia General Assembly, enrollment projections, mandatory cost increases, goals from the Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 (TJ21), critical programmatic needs and the economic outlook.

"The board’s decision continues to recognize Radford’s commitment to providing our students with a superior education that is also within reach financially," RU President Penelope W. Kyle said.

The rate increases were mitigated because of the additional general fund support proposed by Gov. Bob McDonnell and the General Assembly, student enrollment growth and through an annual review that strategically aligns the institution’s long-range goals with projected resources. The amended 2013-14 budget approved during the 2013 General Assembly session also includes an additional $401,689 in state general fund support for RU’s in-state undergraduate need-based financial aid.

The university has received national recognition for offering its students an exceptional value. The Princeton Review ranked Radford University as one of 75 public education institutions in the United States in its "The Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition."

RU’s Board of Visitors will continue its scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, May 10.

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.