What can you do with $450?

How would you use $450?

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a 4.6 percent tuition increase in July. In average terms, this means a student going to CMU for 30 credit hours this year (and not covered under the

CMU Promise, which fixed tuition for as many as five years for new students from 2005-08) will spend approximately $450 more to come to CMU.

Whether it is something with a big price tag, such as a PS3, or something as small as a few meals, $450 can go to many things.

Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe said families are trying to make ends meet, so the $450 means a lot to them.

“I think students and families have a tough time,” he said. “I think it takes real planning on the part of families and on the part of individuals to afford higher education today.”

Roscoe said he believes students will look for more work during the school year. He said he already saw more students contacting him, asking him about jobs in the area or on campus.

Roscoe said he is not sure the $450 increase will be a reason for many students to not come to CMU, but he said if other things happen in the future, many students might feel they are in financial jeopardy.

The plan offers automatic payment dates, which bills the student on the fifth of every month and offers account adjustment to student accounts any time changes occur to the account, such as bookstore refunds, dropping or adding a course or financial aid payments.

With the system, amounts charged to the account will be updated on a regular basis.

While enrollment for the fall semester ended July 31, students who wish to use it for spring can sign up Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Is it for you?

The plan, however, is not recommended for everyone, especially students on financial aid, said Diane Fleming, associate director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

She said the plan is not beneficial for students utilizing financial aid that covers the full cost of tuition.

Enrollment instructions can be found in the “Finances” tab of the Central Michigan Student Portal.

If students have more questions about the new payment plan, contact the Student Account Services and University Billing at 774-3618.