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By RANDY CROUCH
Journal Staff Writer
MARQUETTE -- The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved its 2024 budget during a special meeting on Friday.
Spending in 2024 is expected to include more than $3 million in new investments and programs throughout the university structure.
Students can expect to see a $1.5 million increase in the availability of scholarships and financial aid assistance in the next fiscal year.
The university also announced the cessation of its application fee for those applying for undergraduate programs.
The fee will be phased out over next two years.
The school set aside more than $1.2 million for "removing barriers to student access" in this year's budget.
Changes include the tuition advantage funding scholarship, which will cover the remaining balance for students who have additional expenses once federal, state and school funding is applied.
The school's new investments and initiatives will include more than $1 million to enhance campus well-being and safety, with child care initiatives, new student spaces and public safety staffing as part of the plan.
The general fund budget has increased more than $6.5 million as compared to NMU's 2023 fiscal year budget.
A tuition hike is credited in part for the budget increase.
"A lot of exciting things happening on campus. We're in a strong financial position, which is always important for our long-term viability and our ability to support the continued investments and important programs," said NMU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Alexis Hart.
Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.