NS to cap tuition fee increases at 3%

As a 3-year university tuition freeze sets to expire, the Nova Scotia government announced yesterday a university funding plan meant to protect students by ensuring tuition remains at, or below, the Canadian average and help universities remain competitive and sustainable for years to come. Under the plan, the province will cap tuition fee increases annually at 3%. For local and out-of-province undergraduates, that means an average increase of about $154 and $185 per year, respectively. In making this decision, the province is rejecting consultant Tim O'Neill's recommendation to deregulate tuition fees. Nova Scotia's advanced education minister also announced that provincial universities will see a 4% reduction in their grant funding for the 2011-12 academic year. In April, the government will begin working on a new funding arrangement for universities to cover 2012-15. NS News Release | Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Canadian Press