With the passage of Temple’s 2012 Commonwealth appropriation, the university has finalized its budget for the new fiscal year. The budget includes a $36 million reduction in operating expenses, a tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduates and a $6.8 million increase in financial aid.

This year’s budget decisions were based on the significant reduction in Temple’s appropriation proposed by the Commonwealth. Although the university will not suffer the 50 percent reduction put forth earlier this year, the cut — at 19 percent — is substantial. To make up for the shortfall while preserving Temple’s commitment to access and high academic quality, university leaders have spent the past several months identifying numerous measures for expense reduction and revenue generation.

The new budget calls for a $36 million reduction in the university’s operating budget. This is the second major reduction in three years; In 2010, Temple permanently cut its budget by $40 million. The majority of this cut will come from reducing administrative expenses: All of Temple’s schools, colleges and administrative units have been asked to trim their budgets and there will be no wage increases for administrative staff this year. In addition, the university has implemented a hiring and travel freeze and suspended several searches for new deans.

“We remain dedicated to providing a high quality public education to tens of thousands of students who have come to rely on Temple University,” said President Ann Weaver Hart. “Our commitment to quality — like the commitment to our students — will remain this year and in the years to come.”

Tuition for in-state students will increase $1,172, from $11,834 to $13,006 in the fall. Even with the increase, Temple's in-state tuition remains lower than other comprehensive universities in the state.

Because tuition is based on state support, the increase for out-of-state students will be less and will grow by $1,170, from $21,662 to $22,832. Mandatory fees remain the same at $295 per semester.

To maintain access for students with financial need, the university will increase financial aid by $6.8 million to a total of $81.8 million. In addition to more aid for students with need, Temple has grown its network of community college partners to help students save costs the first two years of college. Currently there are eight such dual admissions programs with several more in progress.