Tennessee legislator plans to pursue freezing tuition rates at current levels at state colleges, universities

Jim Summerville

NASHVILLE – A state lawmaker today says he plans to file legislation freezing tuition rates at current levels for Tennessee’s public colleges and universities.

The announcement comes after the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Board of Regents systems recently adopted hikes in tuition ranging between 3 to 6 percent.

“The current increases are an outrage, especially in light of this year’s increase in appropriations to these higher education systems,” said Sen. Jim Summerville, R-Dickson, in a news release. “No other governmental department consistently raises their costs to the taxpayers at such a high rate on an annual basis.”

Acting on Gov. Bill Haslam’s recommendations, the state increased higher education from state appropriations by $108.6 million this year. That includes about $35 million for the state’s revamped funding formula – the first real increase in years.