News Archives

Feedback sought on undergraduate differential tuition proposal

October 24, 2023 - by Kim Delker

The University of New Mexico School of Engineering is seeking feedback on a proposal to increase the differential tuition for undergraduates registered under a School of Engineering degree program code. If approved, the increase would be implemented starting in fall 2024.

Nearly all undergraduate programs at UNM charge differential tuition. Currently, the School’s differential tuition is set at $15.80 per credit hour. The School is proposing an increase of $15.00 per credit hour for a total differential tuition of $30.80 per credit hour.

A town hall was held Oct. 27 in the Larrañaga Engineering Auditorium to present and discuss the proposal. The session was hosted by Donna Riley, Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing, and Charles Fleddermann, associate dean for academic affairs and community engagement.

The School of Engineering first began implementing differential tuition in 2015. The rate has remained unchanged since then, yet costs have continued to rise even faster than tuition increases, especially the costs of laboratory equipment and software, which are essential to a modern and high-quality engineering education, said Donna Riley, Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing.

UNM is the only university in New Mexico that is designated as an R1, which is a designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education reserved for doctoral universities with very high levels of research activity.

The revenues generated from differential tuition are distributed by the dean to each department in proportion to enrollment. All of the tuition paid by UNM Engineering students goes back to the School to help pay for expenses such as teaching assistants in classes and labs, undergraduate advising, the enhancement of student services like tutoring and extra programming, and even may be used to subsidize costs for textbooks and other required materials for students.

Additional information about the School of Engineering draft proposal and a comparison of UNM tuition to that at our peer institutions.

Questions or feedback can be sent to Fleddermann at cbf@unm.edu.

Earlier this month, School of Engineering leadership presented the proposal to the Engineering Student Council for feedback. Feedback is being sought from undergraduates for 30 days. The proposal will require approval from the UNM provost and executive vice president for academic affairs as well as the UNM Board of Regents.

Prospective Students

Alumni and Supporters

Current Students

Faculty and Staff

Academic Advising & Support

SOE on social media