HAYS, Kan. (AP) - The interim president at Fort Hays State University has accepted Gov. Sam Brownback’s challenge to make it possible for a higher education student to receive a bachelor’s degree for $15,000 or less.
Andy Tompkins says that depending on the field of study, a student can get a degree for that cost if two years are spent at a community college and two years are spent at his university, the Hutchinson News (https://bit.ly/2k7BTBG ) reported. Brownback has said his budget “fully funds 50 student scholarships to the institution that first accomplishes the $15,000 degree.”
Tompkins, along with the presidents at Wichita State University and Emporia State University, spoke about the challenge on Wednesday with the House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee. The three university presidents noted the success of their schools even with declining state aid.
Wichita State University President John Bardo asked that past cuts be considered as lawmakers build a budget.
“For the 2017 budget, WSU would respectfully ask that you consider that we have been cut $8 million dollars in the last three fiscal years, including a $2.8 million in the current year,” Bardo said.
Tompkins said the universities should manage if the state has to cut funding for them. State funding accounted for $32.9 million at Fort Hays State in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, while student tuition provided $44.9 million.
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Information from: The Hutchinson (Kan.) News, https://www.hutchnews.com
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