Another Tuition Hike Set for UT System
MARTIN, Tenn- College is getting even more expensive for students in the UT systems, causing some to reconsider their education. Dustan Swift, a second-year student at UT Martin, wants to be a veterinarian, but said if tuition keeps going up, he may be forced to reconsider. “I’m paying bills on my own and looking at debt that’s increasing since being in school,” said Swift. On Friday, the school announced a six percent tuition increase for all instate students, costing them an extra $265 a semester, starting this fall. “If you break it down, it’s not as expensive as it seems,” said University Relations Director, Bud Grimes. “But it’s certainly an added cost.” Grimes said the increase is due to the upkeep of campus facilities, rise of the price of supplies, and a 1.5 percent pay raise for teachers. He said school officials are left with few options. “Our job is to help students with scholarships and anyway that we can,” said Grimes. Students like Swift, said they have to considering weighing if the expensive cost of college is worth the long-term debt.
