Gov. McDonnell Visits VCU to Discuss College Affordability

By Mike Porter

Gov. Bob McDonnell visited VCU today to announce that undergraduate students from Virginia who are attending the state’s colleges and universities this fall will experience the lowest average increase in tuition and mandatory fees in a decade.

The governor’s announcement came as the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) released its annual report on tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education.

The governor said the statewide average increase of 4.1 percent in tuition and mandatory fees was possible due to the General Assembly’s allocation of $230 million in additional general support to the state’s colleges and universities in the current biennial budget. VCU raised tuition and fees 3.87 percent for 2012-13. 

McDonnell delivered his remarks in the Student Commons Commonwealth Ballroom, where he was surrounded by students from colleges and universities from across Virginia.

“I’m delighted to say reforms are being implemented and are working to make college more accessible and more affordable,” McDonnell said. “We have sustained an investment to these young people standing behind me."