Colleges and universities across the Commonwealth recently voted to raise their tuition fees in light of recent state budget cuts. In this dire economic time, students and parents will be asked to pay upwards of twenty-four percent more than they already give at some universities.
“With these drastic cuts to our colleges and universities, Bob McDonnell and the General Assembly are sacrificing one of the most important qualities of Virginia’s institutions: the quality of education,” said VAYD College Caucus Chair Meghan Czaikoski. “The repercussions of these tuition increases will result in fewer qualified professors and larger class sizes, resulting in a poorer education for students.”
This increase is a direct result of a gubernatorial administration that refuses to fully support higher education. Gov. McDonnell approved over $200 million in cuts to our public colleges and universities. At Virginia Commonwealth University, tuition will increase more for in-state students than those coming from outside Virginia, potentially driving away Virginians from the schools they fund.
“Bob McDonnell and the Republicans in the General Assembly are causing schools to make tough decisions that hurt our very own and may deny Virginians opportunities of a great education,” said VAYD Council of Presidents Chair Lauren Gilbert.
About VAYD:
The Virginia Young Democrats is a statewide organization for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for Democrats in the commonwealth. Visit vayd.org to learn more about the organization and to contribute to thousands of young Virginians seeking to make Virginia a more equitable place.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maggie Thornton
E-mail: communications_director@vayd.org
Phone: (540) 520-2773
