Kansas State University is continuing to look at strategies to increase the number of students coming to the university from out of state.
K-State President Dr. Richard Linton spoke to the Kansas Board of Regents Wednesday about a proposal to expand the university’s in-state tuition eligibility to more students living beyond the Kansas borders.
“This is a request that’s being made to create a new program for high achieving students and providing student tuition breaks for high achieving students that have a GPA in the range of 3.25 and 3.90,” he said.
Modeled after a similar approach at the University of Arkansas, graduating high school students with a GPA above a 3.25 would pay smaller tuition rates than the typical out-of-state rates. Those with a 3.9 or better GPA would pay the in-state tuition, afforded to Kansas students. The program would not be retroactive and would begin with the freshman class this fall. Linton says they estimate needing about 35 new students to break even and generate additional revenue.
“I think this is more than just money though. I think this is reputation, I think this is brand. Frankly for us, it’s the relationship we have with the City of Manhattan, who is struggling with 18 percent less students,” he said.
According to data provided Wednesday, the University of Arkansas grew its non-resident enrollment by almost 44 percent between 2013 and 2021, trends K-State is hopeful can be duplicated.
