FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2007
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(66) 329-7124
  
Officials, student say degree from MUW worth the investment

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Earning a college degree, particularly at Mississippi University for Women, is worth the investment, according to university officials, despite a tuition increase that will take place in the fall.
   
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning approved tuition increases for Mississippi’s eight universities.
   
Dr. Claudia A. Limbert, MUW president, said, “We want to keep the cost as low as possible, but we’re also committed to maintaining the quality of our academic programs. We care as much about our students’ education as they do.”
   
MUW’s current tuition rate is the lowest of the eight IHL institutions and will continue to be the lowest in the fall.
   
Dr. Bucky Wesley, vice president for student services, said, “The quality of our education is reflected in our national rankings, yet our tuition will be the lowest in the state at $4167 annually.” This translates into an increase of $273 plus a $42 fuel surcharge.
   
Despite previous tuition increases, MUW has experienced consistent enrollment growth over the past few years with fall enrollment being up 6.3 percent. 
   
U.S.News & World Report consistently ranks MUW among the top Southern public master’s universities. In addition, MUW is ranked by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine as 54 of the 100 best values in public colleges across America.
   
Elise Easley, a senior history major from Ridgeland, said, the tuition increase is a small amount in comparison to other expenses she will encounter. Easley, who will graduate from MUW in May 2008, will attend graduate school and also is planning a wedding, both big ticket items.
   
“You never enjoy giving more money, but I don’t mind if it’s to improve the quality of programs and facilities,” she said. “I’m very excited that we’re still the best value for your money.”
   
Easley said she sees her college education as an investment, which will more than likely mean more career options and a higher paying job in the future.
   
She’s right.
   
According to the U.S. Census: Population data and Current Population Survey, 2005, the earning potential of an individual with a bachelor’s degree is $17,600 more than a person with some college education.
   
The U.S. Department of Labor data cites that by 2008, jobs requiring a high school education will grow by just 9 percent, while those requiring a bachelor’s degree will grow by 25 percent.