Officials Approve Funding to Minimize College Tuition Hikes

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has unanimously approved an increase in state funding that they say will minimize tuition hikes at state universities and community colleges.

“Our focus is to keep this at 2 percent and our focus is to continue to improve the student experience in our colleges and universities,” said Michael Kolowski, director of public affairs and marketing for the state Board of Regents.

According to Kolowski, the need stems from a decline in enrollment. The board anticipates about a 2 percent drop in the next fiscal year.

“The other challenge is that last year, when we were doing the education budget, we were using funds that were no longer there,” said Rep. Roberta Willis.

With that in mind, Rep. Willis says the shortfall is not a surprise, but that doesn't make it any less of a challenge.

“The problem to finding more money to fund education, which has been cut several times over several years, is that we are looking at a state budget deficit,” said Rep. Willis.

With the approval from the Board of Regents, the recommendation now moves to the Office of Policy and Management for review.