TUITION/FEE INCREASE APPROVED BY GW BOARD
1999-2000 Budget Hikes Student Financial Assistance and Supports New Facilities

Washington - At its February meeting, the Board of Trustees of The George Washington University approved a tuition/fee increase for the 1999-2000 academic year. The action includes a boost in student financial aid and funds to support new facilities and renovations. The tuition/fee increase is the lowest in eleven years as the University heads into the second year of its major technology initiative.

"We continue to deliver on the promises we've made to students to invest in the quality of GW's academic programs and facilities," said GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg. "We are ahead of schedule in our costly technology initiative and are beginning construction on a new Health and Wellness Center and a new Media and Public Affairs building, both to open in the fall of 2000. The increases approved by the Board will ensure that GW maintains its position in the top tier of universities nationwide."

The total tuition/fee for returning students (entering prior to fall of 1998) is $23,375 ($31,585 incl. room/board). Returning students who entered the University in the fall of 1998 will pay $23,655 ($31,865 incl. room/board). New students will pay a slightly higher rate of $23,960 ($32,170 incl. room/board). Tuition and fees for on-campus graduate students will be $736 per credit hour, with GW Law School tuition/fees set at $24,995 for returning law students and $25,535 for new law students. Starting in the Spring Semester of 2001, there will be a $225/year fee added for the Health and Wellness Center. The Board also approved a 4.5 percent increase in tuition/fees for the 2000-2001 academic year.

Student Association President Carrie Potter commented, "Students are certainly appreciative that it's the lowest tuition increase in eleven years. We applaud the budget priorities including a substantial increase in financial aid and support for the new buildings that will enhance the quality of student life on the GW campus."

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In the new budget, funding for student financial assistance programs jumps $2.9 million to nearly $66 million. In response to popular requests, the Board has okayed changes in the meal plans making them cheaper for students and giving students more choices.

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