Education advocates are optimistic that amid a sagging economy and a shrinking state budget, a tuition freeze for Maryland universities will survive.
“A lot of people think it is a difficult time to freeze tuition,” said P.J. Hogan, the University System of Maryland’s associate vice chancellor for governmental relations. “But actually, one of the ways we are looking at it is this is probably one of the worst times to raise tuition, given the finances of students and parents.”
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Many worried that the economic downturn would force the state to raise tuition next fiscal year for the first time under Gov. Martin O’Malley. But the governor’s proposed budget, which was unveiled Wednesday and calls for layoffs of 700 state employees, spares tuition.
The spending plan restores $30 million of general fund cuts made this fiscal year by the university system, which includes 11 universities. It also gives the university system $16 million that would allow tuition to remain level for the fourth consecutive year.
Prior to the state freezing tuition first under the Ehrlich administration, the cost of higher education in Maryland was the fourth most expensive in the country. Another freeze would bring the state closer to the 50th percentile, a goal set late last year by a state commission.
State lawmakers could change the governor’s budget and increase tuition during the General Assembly’s session, but many remain hopeful that a stimulus package from President Obama would supply Maryland with more than $1 billion. They said that would help ensure tuition stays frozen.
“I’m very optimistic because Barack Obama is president,” said state Sen. Jim Rosapepe, D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, a former member of the university system’s Board of Regents.
The regents and Chancellor William “Brit” Kirwan have been meeting with the governor about the budget, which does not include money for salary increases, enrollment growth or program improvements at the university system.
“While we face the distinct possibility of further budget cuts if economic conditions in the nation and state continue to decline, our immediate focus must be on protecting the governor’s proposed budget,” Kirwan wrote in a message to the university system community.
“Reductions to this budget would be harmful to our students, our institutions, and our state.”
