Today, Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust released the following statement in response to the decision by the James Madison University Board of Visitors to approve a zero percent increase in in-state tuition and mandatory E&G fees for the 2019-2020 academic year in response to new state funding allocated by the General Assembly for tuition moderation.

Ahead of today's meeting, the Board of Visitors held a public comment period to allow students to weigh in on the decision. A new state law requiring public colleges and university to hold public comment periods ahead of tuition decisions does not go into effect until July. Other institutions that have held similar public comment periods this spring include, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, the College of William& Mary, and Old Dominion University.

“The fact that so many Virginia universities have embraced the General Assembly’s plan to fund and freeze tuition this year is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when state lawmakers and university leaders work collaboratively," said Stacie Gordon, Partners' state advocacy manager. "This effort to hold the line on tuition may be a one-year deal, but it sets the foundation for a longer-term solution to ensure that a high-quality college education is more affordable for Virginia families. As James Madison University joins the growing list of Virginia universities that have approved tuition freezes, the board should be commended for acting to provide students with a much needed financial reprieve.”