College Tuition Outrage

There was a tiny little article in the April 2 Spokesman at http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/02/otter-gets-revised-open-meeting-bill/ that is a breath of fresh air in these days of layoffs, price gouging, rate increases, and increasingly higher and higher unemployment numbers.

While the Governor is supporting raising tuition for colleges and universities and yesterday’s announcement that they can increase tuition as high as 28%, Seattle University is offering $10 million in scholarships of $10,800 each – including 400 scholarships to Washington residents who recently lost their job and want to complete their bachelor’s or graduate degree. Hallelujah! Finally.

Can we try to help each other rather than raise utility rates, gas prices, and educational costs?

I work for a Trustee of a foundation that offers scholarships. It is our greatest joy and our most satisfying job. This year, however, we have 20% less to work with – and yet Gregoire wants to raise tuition 28%. That’s a 48% loss to the student.

Am I alone in this boat?

Jeanie