The University of Maine System Board of Trustees unanimously approved a fiscal year 2016 budget May 18 that will freeze in-state tuition at 2013 levels pending legislative approval of Gov. Paul LePage’s FY 2016-17 budget proposal for Maine’s universities.
The fourth annual freeze of tuition rates is the longest in the history of the state’s public university system, founded in 1969.
Maine has the strongest commitment to public higher education affordability according to data compiled by the College Board, having held the inflation-adjusted rate of increase for in-state tuition to zero percent over the last five years. The national average rate of increase has been 17 percent.
“The University of Maine System’s dedication to keeping college affordable is unparalleled,” said Paul Nelson, the student member of the UMS Board of Trustees. “As a result the Board of Trustees has frozen tuition for the fourth year in a row in order to provide the highest level of access to post-secondary education for the people of the state of Maine. This is a profound statement, highlighting Maine’s commitment to keeping college affordable.”
“As a representative of the some 30,000 students attending one of the University of Maine System schools I am exhilarated, enthusiastic and immensely grateful to the Board of Trustees for their approval of the tuition freeze for a historic fourth year,” said Connor Scott, undergraduate student representative to the Board of Trustees from the University of Maine. “It’s their commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education that allows all residents to access higher education and a chance to further their own lives and the future of our state. As one of six kids in my family attending a University of Maine System school, to be joined by my mother next year, I cannot express how critical policies like the tuition freeze are to our continued access to higher education. Thank you to the Board of Trustees and all those who worked to ensure the future of affordable education for all Maine people.”
