SUNYIT: Proposal for State schools to set their own tuition a "good idea"

By By EMMA WRIGHT

Story Created: Jun 28, 2010 at 4:04 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2010 at 4:52 PM EST

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - As part of his budget proposal, Governor David Paterson wants to overhaul the state's university system.

Paterson says the changes are necessary to make New York's public universities more competitive with other states. The core of the proposal would allow SUNY and CUNY schools to set their own tuition rates under a cap. The governor says he wants to avoid the frustrating pattern that's emerged over the past years, in which tuition increases sharply during economic downturns.

SUNYIT President Wolf Yeigh thinks the plan is a good idea.

"The tuition increase would be modest...it would be much better for students," Yeigh said.

Increases in most public schools would be linked to the higher education price index, which rises faster than inflation. The tuition at the state's elite institutions like Stony Brook and Hunter College would rise at a faster rate.

SUNYIT graduate student Charles Skinner says he doesn't want to be priced out of a degree.

"New York State is having a tough time trying to find ways to increase revenue...and there is only one way to do that," he said.

The proposal is still hanging in the balance until a budget is passed.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On