ETSU board approves 5.25% tuition and mandatory fee increase for 2024–25
May 24, 2024 | East Tennessee State University, Public Universities, School Districts, Tennessee
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The East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees voted to approve a 5.25% increase in total tuition and mandatory fees for full‑time undergraduate students on the main campus for the 2024–25 academic year.
Christy Graham, presenting the proposal, said the recommendation reflects a 5.36% tuition increase and a 4.8% increase in mandatory fees, which amounts to $213 per semester in tuition and $48 per semester in fees for a full‑time undergraduate. Graham told the board the recommendation aligns with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s binding range (0–5.5%) and that, assuming flat enrollment, the increase would yield about $5,400,000 in additional revenue.
The proposal allocates the additional revenue to several priorities, including ETSU’s portion of a salary pool and resources to address FLSA classification changes and other salary needs. Graham said portions of the revenue are intended to support a $2,200,000 salary pool for faculty, plus an additional $1,600,000 to address Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other salary adjustments and benefit cost increases.
After the presentation, the board moved and seconded approval of the proposed increases. Trustee commentary noted the role of federal FLSA changes in driving cost pressures. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition announced.
In related action during consent, trustees approved an amendment to the Finance & Administration Committee proposal to present a proposed total salary pool of 4% for 2024–25; that amendment was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board packet for the finance committee included details on the FY25 capital submittals and disclosures, contracts above $250,000 for Jan–Mar 2024, and a comparison of operating revenues and expenses through March. The board’s action on tuition and fees took place after committee review earlier in the day.
The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the vote is reflected as a voice vote with approval announced. The next step noted on the record is implementation planning by university finance and HR staff to apply the approved increases to budgets and salary actions.
Christy Graham, presenting the proposal, said the recommendation reflects a 5.36% tuition increase and a 4.8% increase in mandatory fees, which amounts to $213 per semester in tuition and $48 per semester in fees for a full‑time undergraduate. Graham told the board the recommendation aligns with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s binding range (0–5.5%) and that, assuming flat enrollment, the increase would yield about $5,400,000 in additional revenue.
The proposal allocates the additional revenue to several priorities, including ETSU’s portion of a salary pool and resources to address FLSA classification changes and other salary needs. Graham said portions of the revenue are intended to support a $2,200,000 salary pool for faculty, plus an additional $1,600,000 to address Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other salary adjustments and benefit cost increases.
After the presentation, the board moved and seconded approval of the proposed increases. Trustee commentary noted the role of federal FLSA changes in driving cost pressures. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition announced.
In related action during consent, trustees approved an amendment to the Finance & Administration Committee proposal to present a proposed total salary pool of 4% for 2024–25; that amendment was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board packet for the finance committee included details on the FY25 capital submittals and disclosures, contracts above $250,000 for Jan–Mar 2024, and a comparison of operating revenues and expenses through March. The board’s action on tuition and fees took place after committee review earlier in the day.
The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the vote is reflected as a voice vote with approval announced. The next step noted on the record is implementation planning by university finance and HR staff to apply the approved increases to budgets and salary actions.
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