Attention all summer students planning to attend in the fall: You may want to put aside any extra money you earn over the summer to pay for next semester.

An extra $320-$332 per semester, in tuition alone, will be needed to be exact. More money will be needed for general fees, room and board as well.

Approval was made for the 9 percent tuition increase on May 7. An increase of 4.8 percent will be applied to general fees, a 5.3 percent increase to room, and a 6.7 percent increase for board.

According to Bonnie Blankinship, monitor of the Office of Marketing and Communications, the rises in cost can be attributed to the continuing reduction of state funding and new and rising expenses.

“The state has been cutting our budget over the last few years,” Blankinship said. “$1,300 in state support per student has been lost over the last couple of years. We think we are going to lose 2.6 million dollars over the next fiscal year.”

The 9 percent increase is actually under the state maximum. The University of Toledo decided on raising their tuition the maximum, which is 9.9 percent. Also, Ohio State University received permission to raise their tuition past the maximum at over a 12 percent increase.

While the tuition increase may deter some from attending, it may provide others with the opportunity to come.

This year’s budget includes a 15 percent increase, that is $5.5 million in financial aid, with $1.8 million targeted to need-based and low-income graduate students.

Continuing students who enrolled before the summer of 2002 and those who enrolled that summer or after will pay different instructional rates under BGSU’s two-tier fee structure.

“Average cost for 2004-2005 will be $13,992 annually for students living on campus with the minimum meal plan,” Blankinship said.

“The average cost for those who enrolled on or later than Summer 2002 will be $14,280.”

BGSU Firelands students will also see an increase in tuition. They will pay $85 more per semester, a 4.5 percent increase.

The University says they will do their best to keep costs down for students. The University has made significant cuts in areas such as vacant funded positions. Other ways to generate revenue have been considered as well, such as an increased cost for parking passes.

Because of increased costs, there is a threat that some might opt to attend less expensive community colleges.

“We hope students will continue to see the advantages in coming to a 4-year university, because 2-year colleges don’t offer as much,” Blankinship said.