State Colleges Plan To Increase Fees This Fall But Idaho Schools Remain Cheaper Than Others In Region

Students planning to attend one of Idaho’s four major colleges this fall can expect to shell out $2,000 a year just for fees.

The state’s three universities and Lewis-Clark State College are considering fee increases that will put them among $1,000-a-semester schools for the first time.

“I’ll work all summer and barely pay for tuition and books,” said Trevor Soggs, 17, a Glenns Ferry High School senior hoping to attend the University of Idaho.

Some State Board of Education members also are unhappy.

“Schools have not done an adequate enough job of looking for alternatives to fund education,” said Jerry Hess, a board member from Nampa. “If you can get by asking for more student fees, who wouldn’t?”

Two schools, the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark, are proposing 10 percent increases. Boise State University is considering a 9 percent hike. Idaho State University will be in the 10 percent range, but officials will not release a specific figure until they meet with students.

But even with increases in recent years, the cost of a college education in Idaho remains low compared to other states in the West.

Oregon and Washington university fees were nearly double those charged by Idaho in 1996-97. Oregon fees were $3,443 and Washington’s were $3,136, the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education said.

Different factors drive fee hikes at each school.

Boise State must add more classes in science, English and math to accommodate growth. Spring enrollment increased 3 percent over last year and more growth is expected.

The University of Idaho is working to upgrade campus telecommunications and save an additional $200,000 in scholarships to add to the $6 million it has.

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Other states The cost of a college education in Idaho is low compared to other states in the West. Oregon and Washington university fees were nearly double those charged by Idaho in 1996-97.