17³Ô¹Ï Sees Provincial Budget as Investment in Education and Island's Future
17³Ô¹Ï Students Big Winners in Provincial Budget: Tuition to Fall by 10 per cent.
Tuition will fall by 10 per cent at the 17³Ô¹Ï as a result of the April 10, 2007 provincial budget.
"Yesterday's budget means that 17³Ô¹Ï undergraduate students and their families will benefit from tuition costs that are $1,200 below the average for Maritime universities," says 17³Ô¹Ï President Wade MacLauchlan. "These commitments mean that 17³Ô¹Ï will be an even more attractive value proposition for students, and that higher education is a clear winner in this budget."
In addition to providing funding to enable a reduction in undergraduate tuition, the budget:
---provides increased funding for 17³Ô¹Ï's main campus operating budget of $1.4 million,
---indicates a commitment to provide future funding to limit tuition increases to two per cent annually,
---increases the value of Island Student Awards to $2000, over four years, with increases to $800 in each of third- and fourth-years, and
---enhances funding for student loans and increases income tax deductions for higher education.
"This budget will allow 17³Ô¹Ï to continue offering a top-quality education in an affordable, accessible manner," says MacLauchlan.
17³Ô¹Ï has experienced a dramatic rise in overall reputation and research rankings among Canadian universities, provides more than $2 million annually to students through scholarships and awards, and continues to successfully recruit and retain award-winning faculty. Eight 3M Teaching Fellowships (the top teaching award in Canada) have been awarded to Maritime universities since 2000. Half of these have gone to faculty at 17³Ô¹Ï.
17³Ô¹Ï is committed to excelling in the delivery of outstanding educational opportunities, leading in innovation, and producing the success stories and leaders of tomorrow. With a student body of more than 4,000 full- and part-time students, more than 700 full-time faculty and staff, and over 16,000 alumni, 17³Ô¹Ï is a dynamic institution known for its momentum, synergy and results.