ETSU committee approves 3.8% undergraduate tuition-and-fee increase; board to consider full package May 24

Christie presented the committee with the recommended tuition and mandatory-fee rates for the 2024–25 academic year, proposing a 3.8% overall increase for main-campus undergraduate students. Christie said the increase represents a $165-per-semester tuition increase and $24 in fees for a full-time undergraduate and reflects considerations of state support, THEC binding ranges and the Higher Education Price Index.

Christie described the revenue impact: assuming flat enrollment, the proposal would generate about $4.2 million and fund ETSU’s portion of a 3% salary pool (approximately $2.2 million), increased benefit costs and other inflationary pressures. Christie also described smaller mandatory-fee components, including a $10 increase for the Center for Physical Activity and a $4 increase for the campus post office.

After discussion, a trustee moved and another seconded approval of the tuition-and-fee package. Dr. Green conducted a roll call; Trustees Grisham, Lattimer, Ramsey and Chairman DeCarlo voted “Aye” and the motion passed at the committee level. The full Board of Trustees will take action on the proposed rates during its May 24 meeting and staff will post public notice for 15 days in compliance with the Tennessee Tuition Transparency and Accountability Act.

On related items, the committee unanimously approved holding Gatton College of Pharmacy tuition rates at current levels for FY25, a step Christie said relies on reserves while pursuing additional state support. The committee also approved maintaining a fixed-price model for the fully online Master of Public Administration (MPA) at $600 per credit hour for three new cohorts (breakdown provided in the agenda: $507 tuition, $33 program fee, $10 course fee and a $50 online fee). Trustees discussed competitiveness and staff said recent analyses show online programs are regionally competitive, and that the flat rate helps recruitment.