Governing board approves tuition hikes for most Oklahoma colleges and universities – Duncan Banner

Report on Tuition and Fee Increases at Oklahoma Public Colleges and Universities

Overview

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved tuition and mandatory fee increases for 15 public colleges and universities across the state. These adjustments affect over half of the institutions governed by the board and reflect a statewide average increase of 1.9%, equivalent to just over $121 annually for resident undergraduate students.

Details of the Tuition and Fee Increases

1. Approval Date: Thursday (specific date not provided)
2. Institutions Affected: 15 public colleges and universities in Oklahoma
3. Average Increase: 1.9% statewide
4. Annual Cost Impact: Approximately $121 increase for resident undergraduate students
5. Presentation: University and college presidents presented their requests to the state regents on Wednesday prior to approval

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: The approved tuition and fee increases aim to support the enhancement of educational quality and accessibility by ensuring that institutions have adequate funding to maintain and improve academic programs and facilities.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: By regulating the increase to a moderate average of 1.9%, the board seeks to balance institutional financial needs with affordability for students, helping to reduce economic barriers to higher education.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The collaborative process involving university and college presidents and the State Regents exemplifies effective governance and partnership in advancing educational development.

Conclusion

The approval of tuition and fee increases by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education reflects a strategic approach to sustaining and improving higher education institutions in the state. Emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities, this decision supports the long-term goal of accessible and equitable education for all residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article discusses tuition and fee increases at public colleges and universities, which directly relates to access to affordable and quality education.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Increases in tuition and fees can impact affordability and access to higher education for different socio-economic groups, touching on inequality issues.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4 Targets:
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, which can be influenced by tuition costs.
2. Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated.
3. Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities, which relates to affordability and access to education.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: duncanbanner.com