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WTAMU proposed tuition increase

Canyon, TX - West Texas A&M University has proposed a tuition and fee increase as major cuts from the state are causing universities nationwide to re-evaluate their budgets.

The Texas Legislature cut nearly three million dollars from WT's budget.

Now they are faced with having to offset the decrease before the start of the next school year.

There are a few changes being proposed that have students concerned.

Thaddeus McCray is a junior at WT, if a tuition and fee increase goes into effect, he says he will be facing a big problem.

"If I couldn't find a job, which I can't right now, I would have to seek help from family. If they couldn't do it, then I don't know what I'd have to do. I would probably have to take a semester off to save up some money, which would create a hard possibility for me because I stay several hours away," says Thaddeus McCray, a junior at WTAMU.

WT says their board of regents recently asked them to consider tuition increases up to 3.95% with a maximum of 150-dollars per semester.

"In order for us to continue to maintain what we provide, the quality we're able to provide and the breathe of the academic program here at the university, while also providing the resources that our students need to be successful we have to find ways to generate revenue," says Neal Weaver, VP Institutional Advancement, WTAMU.

They are also considering revising or cutting programs that are currently being offered.

Ultimately, the university says they have their student's best interest in mind.

"We are also working everyday to find people that will support their activities through scholarships, through program support," says Neal Weaver, VP Institutional Advancement, WTAMU.

"It's going to scare some people, but in the long run it's our education," says Kendy Cardenas, a senior at WTAMU.

We also spoke with other area colleges and universities.

Amarillo College says they are not currently looking to increase tuition and fees.

Eastern New Mexico University says because of the budget cuts over the last three years, they are proposing a five-percent increase in tuition and fees.

Oklahoma State University says they aren't being affected.

Before anything is finalized, the university will be holding three forums to give students the opportunity to voice their opinions.

WTAMU Upcoming Forums:

February 27th: 5p.m. at WT's Amarillo Center in the Chase Tower - 600 S. Tyler St.  

February 28th:11:30a.m. & 4:30p.m. Jack B. Kelley Student Center - on Campus in Canyon.