According to a report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the University of Houston-Victoria offers competitive tuition and fees when compared to other public universities across the state. Based on 15 semester credit hours in fall 2006, the average cost per student at UHV is $2,395 which is 10% below the statewide average of $2,663.

The report – which highlights resident undergraduates at 34 Texas public universities – also indicates tuition and fee increases between the 2006 spring and fall semesters. For UHV, total academic charges increased by 5.6% while the statewide average grew by 7.2%.

“Our increase was modest and based on considerable input from student and community groups," said UHV Chief Financial Officer Wayne Beran. "UHV remains one of the most cost-effective universities in the state."

“Our ongoing commitment is to design and maintain high-quality degree programs without creating a financial hardship on students. We''ve achieved an enviable balance of quality, affordability, and convenience," said UHV Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Suzanne LaBrecque. "I am sure that this explains some of our continuing growth.” UHV''s enrollment has reached record numbers in each of the past three years and now stands at more than 2,600.

UHV is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, having received its ten year reaffirmation in 2004 with no deficiencies and a number of commendations. "As an occasional SACS visitor who works on teams to examine other universities, I can tell you that this is no mean feat," said UHV President Dr. Tim Hudson.

“Quality is the key. We''re sensitive to tuition and fee increases but understand their occasional necessity to enhance academic offerings. We invest these resources in things that matter to students -- teaching, research, and cutting-edge technologies that are relevant in today’s global marketplace. For UHV students, this means that their degrees are highly competitive and marketable and gain value over time."

According to THECB data, UHV full-time faculty teach more than 75% of all coursework, contrary to a national trend toward the use of teaching assistants and adjunct faculty. Also, UHV is a statewide leader in the delivery of web-based learning with students taking advantage of online courses whether in Victoria, El Campo, Sugar Land, Katy, Austin, or elsewhere as they try to balance their educational goals with work and family obligations.

“I applaud the way UHV administration continues to create high-quality, convenient programs without significantly raising the cost to students,” said UHV Student Senate President Danny Ochoa. “I can tailor my education based on my personal and professional needs without sacrificing quality or marketability. Plus, there are so many scholarship and aid programs available at UHV; they can find a way to help anyone who wants to get an education."

“In the final analysis the cost of higher education is an investment that will pay off over a lifetime in income, opportunity and empowerment,” noted President Hudson. “UHV continues to be a best buy.”