Iowa State University Ambassadors is a premier leadership organization that deals with and lobbies for legislative issues important to students. One of the main objectives we take on is getting support to lower student tuition rates. Explore the different sections of this website for more information.
"ISU Ambassadors serve as a connection between Iowa State University, the state legislature, and Iowa communities, in a professional and nonpartisan manner. As an informed resource, ISU Ambassadors represent and educate students about issues that are pertinent to the student experience. ISU Ambassadors is a prestigious organization of leaders with integrity and character, dedicated to creating a positive image and a strong future for Iowa State University."
"...By and large, the number one student issue in the state of Iowa is that of increasing tuition, and with that, the increase of student debt loads.
Iowa State is fortunate to attract a high percentage of in-state students, with about 77% coming from Iowa. Students have the desire to stay within our state for their collegiate experiences because Iowa has a strong tradition for educational excellence. However, students can no longer afford to stay in the state upon graduation, due to the financial burdens that college educations are imposing. As a student attending Iowa State University, I have become increasingly aware of the student debt load in our state. As the 2006 U.S. News and World Report study exposed, 68% of Iowa State student graduate with more than $27,000 in debt, which places us second in the nation among public universities for student debt loads.
In Iowa, students have seen over $100 million in state appropriation reductions from the 2000-2001 academic year. Because of the severe budget cuts, Iowa State University tuition has increased over 75% and fees have increased over 242% since the 2000 academic year. For two consecutive years, students faced tuition increases of more than 17%. Currently, in-state undergraduate students are paying $5,860 per semester in tuition and fees, as compared to $3,132 in 2000. When I graduate this spring, I will have paid over $21,000 in in-state tuition and fees. For students that graduated in 2003, the year that I started undergraduate classes at Iowa State, four years of in-state tuition and fees totaled $13,000. My education has cost me $8,000 more than students who attended four years ago. The level of state appropriations has directly correlated to the tuition increases that students have had at our university.
Decreased state appropriations have had effects much more expansive than students’ u-bills, however. Lecture classes have seen an increase in enrollment, yet fewer sections are offered. In 2005, two academic colleges at ISU combined due to limited resources and increasing tuition. This year, students have had to pay an extra $200 Energy Surcharge, to pay for University operating costs. Students lives are impacted academically, socially, and financially.
Personally, I have faced many challenges as an undergraduate student. Academically, I have had classes that are required for my major, yet were cancelled after registration. I have had conflicts scheduling appointments with my advisor, as each advisor becomes responsible for more students. Lower-level professors are teaching upper-level courses, for less money. Most importantly, this May, upon graduation, I will begin to pay back over $10,000 in student loans.
There are fall-out effects that come from tuition increases and substantial debt loads. First, graduates are leaving the state of Iowa to pursue higher-paying jobs in surrounding states. Often, these graduates want to stay in-state, but because the wages are more competitive elsewhere, they are prioritizing incomes over locations in order to pay off their debt.
We need people to stay in Iowa. Having educated citizens is crucial to economic growth, which increases wages. Also by having educated citizens, there is a boost in citizenship. A strong university system develops the values that encourage citizens to invest back into the community.
This year, the state legislature will make a critical decision. By fulfilling the Regent’s $72 million request, our legislature will show our state that we DO prioritize education. $72 million will allow tuition increases to be consistent, predictable, and affordable. $72 million will remove the Energy Surcharge, so that students will no longer be footing the state’s bill. $72 million will allow faculty to be paid competitively, and to teach classes at appropriate levels. $72 million will allow students to have more class options, and decreased class sizes. $72 million will allow for Iowa State students to have better control over their debt loads, and will remove the negative debt rankings of our state. $72 million will give students, their families, and the state of Iowa the dedication WE deserve.
Thank you all for coming today, and more importantly, for showing your dedication to higher education in the state of Iowa. For all of the past, present, and future Panthers, Hawkeyes, and Cyclones, we need to 'Invest in public higher education, and invest in Iowa’s future!!'"