Hard to tell if UW System and Gov. Walker are close to compromise over college affordability

Last time System wanted funding, it got a $250 million cut

There’s a little disagreement between Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and the University of Wisconsin System over how much money it should get over the next two years.  

System president Ray Cross is talking $42.5 million more. Walker has warned to expect nothing additional and for the current freeze on tuition to remain in effect.

They sound like drastically different opinions but Cross and the governor are trying to find some common ground, apparently. They don’t necessarily agree, but they are probably closer than many people think, Cross believes.

“He has indicated he wants to invest in the university,” Cross said Monday on WIZM of Walker. “He thinks it’s time to invest. The amount of investment is probably what’s in question.”

The last time Cross asked for an investment in the System, it was for $95 million. Instead, he received a $250 million cut from the governor.

Cross says operating costs, financial aid and how long it takes students to graduate needs to be considered. He believes that by cutting funding and continuing a tuition freeze, it only makes it more likely that students will spend longer in the classroom and pile up more college loan debt.  

“It’s one thing to increase tuition a couple hundred bucks a year – so that’s $800 over four years,” Cross said. “But, to stay an extra semester could cost you $5,000 and more, plus loss of earnings.”

If the system gets cut too much, says Cross, it will take longer for students to graduate. He adds that one of the most important ways to make college more affordable is not to make it longer to graduate.

“Are we requiring too many credits?” Cross asked. “How many credits are we requiring, over 120? Are they appropriate? Are they defendable?”

Cross suggests Walker’s proposals are slightly shortsighted. 

“Affordability has five components,” Cross said. “It’s not just tuition and it’s not just state support.”