Should Alliant Raise Student Tuition During a Recession?
On February 13, 2009, Alliant’s Board of Trustees approved a tuition increase for the next academic year, with programs like CSPP increasing up to 3.8%. While this is a lower rate of increase than in previous years, many students and faculty have questioned whether such an increase is fair, given the current economic troubles. We consider both sides of the raging debate.
By Eddie Fernandez
We are all aware of the global economic recession being experienced. In some way, shape, or form, we are all being affected. So why would Alliant raise our tuition this year? To understand, I took this question directly to Geoffrey M. Cox, PhD., president of Alliant International University.
Dr. Cox listed three main reasons for students to better understand the tuition increase. He explained that every institution raises tuition every year. He asked us to reflect on our undergraduate education—how often did the tuition increase? Dr. Cox stated that to expect our university to operate differently would be unrealistic.
Secondly, Dr. Cox stated that Alliant, as a non-profit, is entirely dependent on tuition for income and that the cost of attending our university must keep pace with the cost-increases that are incurred in its operation.
Competition with other universities further compounds the tuition increase. “We are trying to make salaries (of faculty) a lot more competitive and it does not serve our students if we cannot get and retain faculty,” Dr. Cox said.
“Are there ways to delay costs? There are, but then we would be pushing our problems onto the next generation,” Dr. Cox added. He reiterated that it was not until recently that salaries of our faculty had gone up (between 2004-2005), and that they are attempting to continue a consistent annual rate of growth.
An e-mail Dr. Cox sent highlighted that more of our tuition money is going directly to academics and less toward the administration. In terms of his vision for Alliant, he said that he would like this to be the premiere applied social sciences university in clinical, teaching, and management. While he is very aware of student financial concerns, he believes that this education is a good investment, and that the long-term value of our degrees will be directly related to the reputation of our university. For this standard to be maintained, tuition increases must be tolerated.
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By Dr. Christopher Tori
I believe student tuition should not be raised during this time of economic turmoil. As a Chinese proverb reminds us, “A time of crisis is a time of opportunity.” Thus, let’s consider creative systemic change rather than doing “the same old, same old.” Perhaps, the extra revenue needed could come from increased productivity and reduced budgets (i.e., deflation). Surely, consideration of this strategy would be healthy.
Compensation Cuts for Administrators and Faculty
During my tenure at CSPP (more than 30 years now), I have never seen a cut in salary and benefits for administrators or faculty. 
Just think of what this gesture would mean for students and board members. Those in power placing the needs of the institution above personal gains! Unheard of, you might say. But, now is the time for institutional change and renewal. Therefore, I suggest that the highest paid employees take a 15% cut and those above the median take a10% cut. How much revenue would that generate? Reductions in benefits packages may also be necessary.
Increased Productivity
Alliant is not free from waste. For example, the statistics courses are taught by a host of instructors. Why not have one instructor for the course with common lectures for all students, multi-sectioned courses. Additionally, each department and administrative unit could be mandated to reduce expenses by 10%. Finally, income sources other than tuition must be enhanced.
Summary
Let’s try to emerge from this time of economic difficulty leaner and more efficient. Sacrifice must be shared by all. The constant raising of student tuition is not the only answer to increased expenses.