February 9, 1999
Resolution for a Tuition Freeze
Whereas, Between 1980 and 1995, average tuition at 4-year public colleges for in-state, full-time students increased 234%, while the Consumer Price Index (inflation) increased 74%;*
Whereas, Student grant aid has not kept pace with tuition levels;*
Whereas, From lose to 1995 the average student loan for college students at 4-year public colleges rose 367%;*
Whereas, In 1994, the state of Michigan was ranked the 9th most expensive state In the nation for average in-state, full-time, undergraduate tuition at 4-year public colleges;*
Whereas, at the University of Michigan the rate of tuition increase over the last two decades has far exceeded the rate of inflation;
Whereas, The trends outlined above have the result of narrowing access and opportunity for students in Michigan and across the country;
Resolved, The Michigan Student Assembly, in its job as the representative of student interests, calls for a tuition freeze at the University of Michigan.
Resolved, MSA will organize a peaceful rally at the Fleming administration building calling for a tuition freeze for a time to be set at the convenience of a majority of the Assembly.
Resolved, MSA will send copies of this resolution to student governments in the state of Michigan and those student governments that MSA representatives contacted at the recent Association of Big Ten Schools conference.
Resolved, MSA will send copies of this resolution to the Michigan Daily and Lee Bollinger.
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* Report to Congressional Requesters, August 1996
* Higher Education Tuition Increasing Faster than Household Income and Public
Colleges’ Costs
General Accounting Office /HEHS-96-154
Submitted by DAAP
Tabled on 2/9/99.