NCU tuition increase and other changes

This info is from an e-mail that arrived in my inbox this morning.

MONTHLY STARTS:
Please be advised that effective April 1, 2004 the University will institute monthly starts for all courses.

The monthly start policy sets the start date for all courses as the first of each month. Learners will have an opportunity to enroll for a course and receive course material through the 21st day of the month before the actual start date. EXAMPLE: To enroll for a course starting on April 1st, Learners must complete all enrollment and payment arrangements before March 22nd. Arrangements completed on or after March 22nd means that your scheduled start date for the course is shifted to May 1st.

Monthly starts will give Learners the option to do coursework with a group of Learners or to work independently with their Mentor. Although the courses have a 16-week term, Learners are still encouraged to advance at a more accelerated rate to complete courses consistent with their abilities and dedication. Learners can then start their next course(s) on the first of the next month.

Your academic advisor is available to explain the monthly start procedure and to guide you through the process.

TUITION INCREASES:
Please be advised that on March 22, 2004 undergraduate tuition will be $375 per unit and graduate tuition will be $475 per unit.

New enrollees and current Learners have until March 22nd to pre-pay for courses at the present tuition rate. For example, a Learner who wants to pre-pay for one or more courses can simply submit payment for the course or courses at the current tuition rate, or if a Learner wishes to pre-pay for the entire degree program, then they do so at the present tuition until March 22nd. On or after March 22, 2004, the new tuition takes effect

Please be assured that Learners will not be charged tuition against their pre-payment until they actually start each course. Should Learners not continue at the University, then all unused pre-paid tuition will be refunded.

WHY A TUITION INCREASE:
This increase is necessitated by our commitment to offer quality academic courses and degree programs at a competitive and affordable tuition rate and to permit NCU to grow our programs and course offerings. Example: NCU is opening its new School of Education offering 100% distance learning Master of Education, Doctor of Education, and PhD in Education degrees. Example: NCU is developing new specializations: International and Homeland Security, and Forensic Psychology. (Watch our web site for details and dates.)

 

Because being RA gives us the right, see. We are still cheaper than TUI. How many increases have they had since becoming a candidate for RA? From $165/cr hr to $475/cr hr.?

 

The tuition rates of NCU & University of Phoenix, to name a few, is quite laughable when you consider schools such as Fort Hays State University's Virtual College whose rates are $112 per undergraduate credit hour and $150 per graduate credit hour.

I realize that Fort Hays, unlike the two aforementioend, is a state funded school. However, in the grand scheme of things if, for example, Fort Hays offers what you're looking for or something easily transferable to your current or prospective career, then why not go for it? The overall savings is significant.