Enhanced UT System Web site Features Tuition and Fee Proposals, Access and Affordability Information

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System today (March 20) launched a revamped Web site aimed at helping inform students, parents and others about accessing and paying for college. The updated site also includes campus proposals for tuition and fees at UT System institutions planned for the next two academic years.

The expanded Web site (www.utsystem.edu/affordability) contains information and resource links on financial aid, how tuition is used, campus cost-saving initiatives and how to pay for college, among other things. The user-friendly site also includes profiles of current students at each of the UT System’s nine academic campuses who overcame challenges associated with financing their college educations.

“This Web site provides a comprehensive look into tuition and the financial aid process, one that we hope will help unravel some of the misperceptions that students and parents have about college affordability,” said UT System Chancellor Mark G. Yudof. “Ultimately, we hope this informative Web site reaches thousands of prospective and current students who might not otherwise attend college because of misplaced fears over financing their education. We want everyone to know that, for qualified students, help is available and a UT education remains affordable.”

The UT System and its institutions pioneered the development of detailed tuition and fee Web sites for use by students, families and the general public. Since 2003, the Web sites have been aimed at making available transparent and easy-to-understand tuition and fee information and financial aid resources.

Proposals for new tuition and fee rates for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years at the System’s academic and health institutions are posted on the site. The UT System Board of Regents, which last December capped tuition increases to 4.95 percent per year or $150 per semester, whichever is greater, is expected to set new tuition and fee rates on March 26.

About the University of Texas System

Serving the educational and health care needs of Texans for more than 125 years, the UT System is one of the nation's largest higher education systems with 15 campuses – including nine academic and six health institutions – and an annual operating budget of $10.7 billion (FY 2008). Student enrollment exceeded 194,000 in the 2007 academic year. The UT System confers one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates three-fourths of Texas health care professionals. With more than 80,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in Texas.