Carnegie Mellon has announced a 4.8 percent increase in undergraduate tuition. Tuition will increase from $25,670 in fall 2001 to $26,910 in fall 2002 for students who entered the university after fall 2000. Tuition will increase from $23,820 in fall 2001 to $24,970 in fall 2002 for those who entered prior to fall 2000. Dual undergraduate tuition was introduced in fall 2000.

The university also announced that average room and board costs for all students will increase from $7,575 in fall 2001 to $7,844 in fall 2002. The university's Board of Trustees authorized the increases at its Feb. 4 meeting.

Funds resulting from the tuition increase will be used to enable the university to attract and retain outstanding faculty. They will also be aimed at supporting undergraduate education initiatives in areas such as a continued investment in first-year seminars and new multidisciplinary courses, expanded learning and leadership opportunities outside the classroom, and undergraduate facilities on the campus, such as the new undergraduate science laboratories in Doherty Hall.

"We want to offer the best possible learning environment for our students," said President Jared Cohon, "one that includes modern laboratories, the best computer network and technologically equipped classrooms, and a vibrant learning and leadership development program that extends beyond the classroom.

"Because of our national and international reputation, we have been able to attract students of the highest caliber. These students come to Carnegie Mellon with high expectations, and we are required to meet those expectations with educational programs and student services of the highest quality."

Tuition, Cohon noted, covers only about 70 percent of the cost of an undergraduate's education. About 50 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. University funding available for financial aid is also expected to increase in response to the rise in tuition.