BSU not alone in facing funding issues

As students and faculty await the results of decisions regarding budget cuts and fee increases, many have begun to question whether other schools are looking at these same difficulties.

Currently Boise State receives almost $5 million from the state of Idaho in contracts and grants. However, this does not come close to matching the 37.6 million dollars of financial aid that was awarded to approximately 8,700 students this year, and it only makes up about 6.7 percent of the general accounts.

Tuition and fee prices for students are currently about $1,300 for a resident undergraduate student and $4,400 for a nonresident undergraduate. These amounts measure up well when compared to other major universities in the Western United States.

The Idaho State Board of Education helps colleges and universities in Idaho, including aid to college student’s research projects. Yet these particular funds are nowhere near enough funding to cover all the costs incurred throughout the year.

BSU is not alone in its funding issues. Other schools in the surrounding states appear to be facing the same problem of trying to find enough money to keep their universities running smoothly.

The Oregon University System (OUS) made up of seven different colleges and universities in the state received enough funding through grants from the Oregon government to cover 6.2 percent of their total general fund budget.

As a result, the state’s schools are in a situation nearly identical to Idaho because they charge similar fees and tuition prices.

The Montana University System also faces cuts in state funding. They are simultaneously losing money and increasing enrollment.

The University of Wyoming is looking at fee increases as well because of missing financial support.

Students and faculty are obviously concerned by the events taking place and want to see a solution found soon to these financial difficulties.

“I looked at a lot of different schools when I was choosing where to go and I thought BSU was one of the best deals, so I hope that it can continue that tradition,” said freshman Katie Krause.

“I think there are a lot of students who chose Boise State because of the quality of education they could get for their money, I don’t want to see that ever change. Realistically I know there have to be some increases in fees and budget cuts, but I hope every choice made is done with the best interest of the students in mind.”

Ashley Gettings

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