Provides for additional tuition charges on a per-hour basis
Impact
The bill is set to impact state laws governing tuition and fees imposed by public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. By stating that additional charges will not count towards TOPS awards, it limits the financial aid available to students taking more credits, which may lead to concerns regarding affordability and access to education. Institutions will also be required to establish criteria for waivers of these additional charges in cases of financial hardship, ensuring that it does not disproportionately affect low-income students.
Summary
House Bill 943 authorizes the boards of supervisors of the Louisiana State University System, the Southern University System, and the University of Louisiana System to impose additional tuition charges for students enrolled in more than 12 credit hours per semester or eight credit hours per quarter. This additional tuition charge is capped and specifically states that it shall not be included in the amounts determined for the Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards. The intent of this bill is to allow institutions greater flexibility in managing tuition costs while encouraging students to stay within the standard credit hour load to avoid excess charges.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 943 is likely mixed. Supporters argue that it enhances revenue options for universities and streamlines the tuition framework, thereby benefiting the financial health of these institutions. However, there are concerns from various stakeholders regarding the potential burden on students who may need to take additional courses to graduate, particularly those relying on financial aid. The focus on financial hardship waivers may be seen as a necessary measure, yet it raises questions about transparency and the availability of such waivers.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the exclusion of additional charges from TOPS awards and how this may affect students' financial decisions. Critics may argue that imposing extra fees could discourage students from taking necessary coursework beyond the standard limit. Furthermore, the necessity to inform students about waiver options could place additional administrative burdens on universities, complicating the registration and financial planning process for students. The overall tension between ensuring institutional funding and maintaining access and affordability for students will likely remain a significant point of discussion.
Provides relative to authority of management boards to charge per credit hour tuition and requires the Board of Regents to adopt certain policies (EG +$20,200,000 GF EX See Note)
Authorizes each public postsecondary education management board to impose additional tuition and fees for certain programs and purposes (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the La. Community and Technical Colleges System Board of Supervisors to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts at institutions under its supervision and management and permits the uniform imposition of tuition and mandatory fee amounts on a per credit hour basis (RE +$5,300,000 SG RV See Note)