Rising UA Tuition is the democratic way.

Today's Arizona Star reports that tuition at the University of Arizona is forecast to increase approximately 31 percent for in-state students in the coming year. The new resident tuition and fees will increase to $8,972. Additionally, out-of-state students would see an increase in the range of 12 percent to $24,931, all seemingly due to a $100 million cutback in their share of state tax money. Interesting enough, the article points out that this increase moves the resident tuition "closer" to the median fees charged by the UA's peer universities, ASU and NAU. The article goes on to state that the UA can absorb $40 million of the cuts but not the $60 million balance. Makes one wonder why they had the $40 million in there in the first place. Interesting also is the fact that only about a third of the students pay the full tuition and fees. There is no breakdown on those that pay the full fare or how out-of-state tuition and fees is factored into the equation. It appears that 17 percent of the increase would be set aside for financial aid since 41.5 percent of students received financial aid that covered their tuition and fees.

There is a little insight in the article from two students of apparent diverse backgrounds. The first, a freshman studying "political science", understands the need for the increase as things are getting more expensive, but she doesn't see it posing much of a hardship for her family. Sounds like "political science" is right up her alley. The second, a UA junior shared the first's sentiments, but did not agree with imposing automatic fees for things that she, or other students, did not use. Specifically she pointed out the automatic imposition of fees for "health services" and the Recreation Center. Looks like she needs to enroll in a "political science" class or two. All I can say is, "WELCOME TO THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM".