Throughout the United States, a fluctuating economy makes college an expensive commodity.
New Hampshire is currently falling in last place nationally for public funding for higher education, and here at Plymouth, we only receive 6 percent of our operating budget from the state.
It seems Plymouth State University faces a difficult road ahead. Recent budget cuts have affected the teaching staff, dining services, and increased tuition fees.
Leading PSU to spend, “a lot of time in Concord to make up for that funding,” said Student Body President Lexi Casale. Casale later remarked, “the state has to help with funding.”
Some effects of budget cuts on PSU were, “staff froze benefits, and they didn’t hire for positions that were empty,” stated Casale. The cost of in-state tuition also rose by roughly 710 dollars.
A lack of funding also threatens PSU’s ability to appeal to future students. Which could result in parents sending their children to cheaper institutions, or having out-of-state students think twice before enrolling. “Numbers will be down, incurring more fees,” said Casale.
The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) has promised to freeze in- state tuition, in hopes that students will rely on financial aid. Student Senate and PSU will continue to work hard for what is best for the university, “we can’t do anything more than we’re doing, it’s on the state.”