Harris commends Butler University tuition freeze, supports statewide cap

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Earl L. Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) today expressed his appreciation for Butler University's recent decision to freeze its tuition for the 2021-2022 school year. Butler is the latest university to make this decision, joining Purdue University, Wabash College, and Manchester University.

“I applaud Butler University for putting their students first and taking this burden off their shoulders,” Harris said.

“It is encouraging to see that more universities, both public and private, are instituting tuition freezes. This will be the tenth year in a row that Purdue University has frozen their tuition rates, so we know this kind of change is possible and sustainable. I would like to see even more of our state's universities and colleges implement tuition caps.”

Harris has introduced House Bill 1088, which would prevent a postsecondary educational institution from increasing a student's tuition and fees from the time they enroll to the time they graduate.

“While most of these recent tuition freezes stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of higher education has been a growing problem for years. In 2019, Indiana ranked 13th in the nation for high student debt,” Harris said. “Seeing what COVID-19 has done to the finances of Hoosier families, I won't be surprised if we rank even higher this year.

“I believe that every Hoosier who wants to pursue higher education should be allowed that opportunity, without fear of financial ruin. By providing consistent and stable tuition rates, students are better prepared to enter and stay in our state's higher education programs.”

House Bill 1088 has been referred to the House Committee on Education and awaits to be scheduled for a hearing.