Budget shortfall spurs tuition rate increase

A higher than usual tuition increase of 13.5 percent for the 2002-2003 academic year was approved by Penn State's Board of Trustees July 12 to make up for two years of cuts in state appropriation and significant cost increases. Combining tuition, fees, and room and board increases, the total cost of attending Penn State in 2002-2003 will increase by 10.6 percent. The Board also approved a new differential tuition model that will phase in any future tuition increases beginning with incoming freshmen, with lower increases for current continuing students, starting with the 2003-2004 academic year. For the full story by Tysen Kendig, visit