Graphic by Bell Jackson By Wesley Walter, News editor
University of Montevallo tuition rates will once again not increase for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The UM Board of Trustees approved tuition and fee rates for the 2023-2024 school year at their Feb. 10 meeting, marking the sixth year in a row that tuition rates have remained stable. Tuition will remain at $403 per credit hour for in-state-students and $837 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
According to UM President Dr. John Stewart, tuition will remain the same because of a request made by university administration to the Board of Trustees.
“The University family is proud that we have capped tuition rates at Montevallo for the sixth year in a row.” Stewart said in a university press release, “Trustees, faculty, staff and benefactors have made a quality college degree accessible and affordable for high school graduates, community college transfers and adult learners. Freezing tuition for another year helps tremendously as we prepare our students for thoughtful citizenry and meaningful careers.”
Stewart expressed further thanks to those responsible for keeping tuition down saying, “I am very proud of my colleagues in the administration, faculty and staff ranks for their fiscal responsibility, energy and creativity in service of UM students.”
While tuition rates will stay the same, the Board of Trustees also announced that the cost of meal plans will increase. For the 2023-2024 school year, the cost of residential meal plans will increase by roughly 8% while optional commuter meal plans will increase 4%.
According to Stewart however, these changes were made solely because of the university’s contract with Chartwells, the company in charge of providing cafeteria services to UM. Stewart said these changes have been calculated “through a standardized price index per our contract with Chartwells.”
While UM is currently devoted to keeping tuition frozen, other Alabama universities have seen increases in recent years.
According to The Crimson White, the University of Alabama’s student newspaper, for the 2022-2023 academic year, UA’s tuition was increased by 3% for in-state students and 4% for out-of-state students due to inflation.
Similarly, according to The Auburn Plainsman, Auburn University’s student newspaper, Auburn’s tuition was increased by 3% for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Regarding the cost for the 2024-2025 academic year Stewart said, “We very much hope to freeze tuition next year as well but will wait to make a determination until we see what enrollment and state funding is like later this year.”
Wesley Walter is managing editor for The Alabamian. He is a junior English major and mass communications minor. Wesley boasts a 750 credit score, boyish good looks and soulful eyes that contain a deep indescribable sadness. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, visiting gas stations and thinking about getting into surfing.
