OSU proposes tuition increases

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma State University President David Schmidly on Friday proposed a 5.8% tuition increase for resident students.<br><br>Nonresident students would have to pay 8.5% more in tuition

Saturday, April 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma State University President David Schmidly on Friday proposed a 5.8% tuition increase for resident students.

Nonresident students would have to pay 8.5% more in tuition under Schmidly's proposal

The increases are slightly less than the 6% hike for in-state students and 9% for out-of-state students proposed by President David Boren for the University of Oklahoma.

"We will not charge a cent more than we absolutely have to," Schmidly said after OSU regents met.

Schmidly's plan also would include a possible 4 percent raise for faculty and staff members, effective July 1.

Boren's proposal -- announced Thursday -- would provide 5% raises, effective in October.

OSU faculty members haven't had raises in three years, and OU has done without for two.

OSU's tuition and fees are now $3,741 a year, $7 less than OU's.

The Legislature requires OU and OSU keep tuition and fees below the Big 12 Conference average. The two schools currently rank at the bottom.