Each year tuition increases at Mercyhurst University, much as it does at most colleges. Next year, the increase is lower than last.

Last year, students faced an increase in tuition of 4.67 percent which was equivalent to a $1,746 increase.

Next year, incoming and returning student will pay an increase of 3.98 percent which is equivalent to $1,559, resulting in payment of $187 less than the previous year.

The cause for the lower increase is due to the slow economic recovery.

Mercyhurst President Tom Gamble, Ph.D., directed that the administration keep the total increase under 4.0% to coordinate with the struggling time for the economy.

This is the lowest increase in 23 years for the Erie campus. The average increase for the past 23 years has been 5.95 percent.

According to Vice President of Finance and Treasurer Jane Kelsey, “This amount is based on tuition, room and board (standard double occupancy in either McAuley or Baldwin with a Silver meal plan), mandatory fees (registration, technology, building assessment, green energy, student government and MSG capital campaign contribution) that an incoming traditional full-time freshman student will pay.”

The additional money will cover operating costs associated with the Erie campus, salary increases for faculty and staff, new faculty positions, operation fees for buildings on campus, increases food service costs and increases in the financial aid budget.