Frequently Asked Questions about UVM and the Economy

Q. How is the economic downturn affecting UVM?

A. UVM is in a better financial situation than many other colleges and universities, public and private alike, for two reasons. First, compared with other publics, our historically low state appropriation makes up only a small portion of our budget, so inevitable cuts in public financing have a more modest impact on the University of Vermont. Second, unlike many of our private peers, we do not rely heavily on endowment income to fund our enterprise. In short, we are not unaffected by the downturn, but we are in an overall healthy financial state.

Q. Will my, or my student's, financial aid be affected?

A. Financial aid will not be impacted by the financial climate. We will protect all current financial aid commitments to students and will make every effort to target increased aid for students with the greatest need.

Q. Is there any possibility of a mid-year tuition increase?

A. There will be no mid-year adjustment. Tuition will likely increase next year at the same modest rate it has for several years.

Q. What about class size? Do you anticipate larger classes?

A. Due to the enviable size and quality of our applicant pool, we have the flexibility to increase overall enrollment at UVM by a total 300 new students, both undergraduate and graduate, next year. But we will maintain our target undergraduate student to teacher ratio of 16:1.

Q. A number of colleges have stopped construction on their campuses. Will that happen at UVM?

A. Construction projects that are underway, including a new state-of-the-art science building due to open in the spring of 2010, will continue to completion. Planned renovations to current buildings also will continue. For the time being, the university will suspend the launch of any new constructions projects.

Q: Is the economic downturn affecting UVM's commitment to the environment?

A. No—we're in this for the long haul. The economic downturn makes it even more evident that UVM can help accelerate the transition to a more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable society.

On our campus, "environment" is about both what students learn and how we all live. Our long-standing environmental studies and sciences programs are seeing dramatic increases in enrollment. Our Eco-Reps actively promote energy conservation and waste reduction, and our campus saves money as a result. Our financial investments in energy efficiency, water conservation, stormwater management, recycling and public transportation mean lower operating and maintenance costs over the long term.