Tuition Increase FAQ (December 20, 2011)

Q: Who is affected by the SUNY tuition increases? When will the changes go into effect?

A: The SUNY tuition increase was applied to all students effective fall 2011 except non-New York State resident undergraduates. Non-New York State resident undergraduate tuition increases are effective for the spring 2012 semester rather than fall 2011 as communicated earlier.

Q: What are the tuition rates?

A: Tuition rates vary by level, residency and program. Please view the chart of approved rates. UB’s tuition rates are highly affordable, especially when compared to other major public research universities which are members of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

Q: Why have tuition and fees increased?

A: SUNY’s Board of Trustees adopted the system’s first “rational tuition plan” on June 30, 2011, to reform what Chancellor Nancy Zimpher called “long broken tuition policies.” The new plan provides regular, predictable increases which will remain on the campuses and be invested to enhance quality. Read details here: http://www.suny.edu/sunynews/News.cfm?filname=6.30.11FinancialPlan.htm.

Q: Why is UB reversing its decision to bill for the Academic Excellence and Success fee and increase non-New York State resident undergraduate tuition for the fall 2011 semester?

A. We have received clarification from SUNY about when these changes can take place and have adjusted our billing accordingly. Please disregard earlier communications from the university stating that students will be billed for these charges in the fall 2011 semester.

Q. Will non-New York State resident undergraduate tuition be increased in the spring 2012 semester and will students be assessed the Academic Excellence and Success fee?

A. Yes. Under the rational tuition plan adopted by the SUNY Board of Trustees, undergraduate tuition for non-New York State residents will increase by 10 percent beginning the spring 2012 semester. And all UB students will be billed for half of the $75 Academic Excellence and Success fee ($37.50) beginning the spring 2012 semester. This new revenue will be used to help hire new faculty, expand and improve course offerings and create new academic services and facilities.

Q: Why did non-New York State resident tuition rates increase for the spring 2012 semester?

A: The tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduates was formally approved by state leaders in December, 2011. UB immediately notified students about this and set a payment due date of Feb. 21, 2012.

Q. When will students be billed the new tuition and fee?

A. The new charges will be posted soon to your student account, which is viewable in your HUB Student Center. They will be included on your ebill of January 30, 2012, with a payment due date of February 21. We recognize that the non-New York State undergraduate tuition increase is being implemented at mid-year, and we will work out an extension of the February 21 deadline if students need more time to accommodate this tuition increase.

Q. How will undergraduate students who are residents of New York State affected?

A. The rational tuition program authorized all SUNY schools to increase New York State resident undergraduate tuition $300 per year for the next five years. UB implemented a $150 increase in the fall 2011 semester and we will implement a $150 increase for the spring 2012 semester.

Q. Will UB become too expensive?

A. No, even with tuition increases UB tuition will remain a significant bargain among major public research universities nationwide. And unlike past tuition increases, which were used to fund state budget gaps, these revenues will remain on campus for the benefit of students. A significant percentage of the tuition revenue will fund financial aid for needy students. UB students who qualify for full TAP financial aid will not be impacted by the tuition increases.

Q: Is there additional financial aid available to help me?

A: Financial aid budgets have been adjusted to reflect the approved tuition increases, including significant increases to New York’s Tuition Assistance Program, which provides need-based aid to eligible students. Students seeking financial aid for the first time should file the FAFSA as soon as possible to determine their financial aid eligibility.

Students who have already accepted the maximum amount of federal loan funding may wish to consider covering the additional tuition by applying for Parent Loans and/or Alternative Loans.

Q: Will any scholarship monies be adjusted to accommodate the tuition increase?

A: Any adjustments to scholarships will be reflected in your revised financial aid package. Please review your student account on HUB, by accessing through MyUB.

Q: What tuition payment options are available?

A: To learn about UB’s payment plan, visit the Student Accounts website.

Q: Has TAP been affected?

A: Yes, New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding has been affected. The changes mandated by the state legislature are as follows: The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will calculate a tuition credit against the new approved tuition charged for eligible New York State residents enrolled in an undergraduate program of study provided a TAP application is on file. Because full time, undergraduate, in-state tuition will exceed $5,000 for the 2011-2012 academic year, the maximum TAP grant has been increased to the program maximum of $5,000. To verify that you have completed the Express TAP Application (ETA), please contact HESC at 1-888-697-4372 or online at www.hesc.org.

Q: Where can I get my questions answered?

If you have any questions, please call the Student Response Center at 716-645-2450 or by email at src@buffalo.edu.