Today, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton announced a proposal to fully fund a two-year tuition freeze for all resident University of Minnesota students. Dayton’s earlier proposal included half, $32.5 million, of the requested $65 million.
In response, U of M President Eric Kaler issued the following statement:
“I am grateful to Governor Dayton for his proposed increased investment in the University of Minnesota. We share a goal to maintain access and affordability for all qualified Minnesota students. With this funding, we will be able to freeze tuition for all Minnesota resident students for the next two years.
“This proposal will benefit undergraduate, graduate and professional students and their families at our five campuses across the state. A strong partnership with the Governor and Legislature means that more U of M resident undergraduate students will be able to graduate with no tuition increases for four years. That’s something that benefits students, their families and our state’s future.
“I'll be at the legislature next week, and beyond, to strongly support the Governor's proposal and the University's biennial budget request.”
Dayton’s proposal today also includes the previously announced $30 million investment in the U’s Medical School, which will help recruit and retain top faculty, attract the best medical students and meet the health needs of all Minnesotans.
In total, Dayton is allocating $95 million to the University, a $32.5 million increase over the previous proposal. The announcement results from today’s Minnesota Management and Budget February forecast projection of a $1.869 billion surplus for FY 2016-17, an increase of $832 million over the November forecast.
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