Wartburg administrators said they felt that it was important to inform both students and their parents of the five percent increase in costs. Students received an e-mail from President Jack Ohle immediately following Winter Break. In addition, Dr. Mike Book, vice-president for administration and finance, mailed a letter to the parents, and Ohle sent an e-mail to faculty.

In Ohle's e-mail, the breakdown of costs for next year was explained. The total cost of attending Wartburg will increase from $19,205 for the 1999-2000 year to $20,165 for the 2000-2001 year. Tuition will be $15,510, room will be $2,100, board will be $2,300 and fees will be $255.

Although many students feel this is a sudden increase in costs, President Ohle said that college costs traditionally go up four to six percent each year, depending on the cost of living.

"The number one priority of the administration is to keep costs of the Wartburg education as affordable as possible," he said.

Ohle explained that in the 1980s, college costs increased at a greater rate due to high inflation. In recent years, the percentage increase has not been as large.

With this continual increase in college costs, some students fear the price may be getting too high.

"I think the increase in cost is needed, but I think to combat that increasing cost there needs to be an increase in financial aid," said freshman Missy Boevers.

Other students agree. "It's fine to increase the college costs, but scholarships should go up with the inflation too," said freshman Allison Ergang.

Although scholarships have not increased for students planning to attend next year, Ohle said students should still visit the financial aid office because they are willing to assist students combat the cost of college.

Students sign agreement

Wartburg students should have received an e-mail notice from the Controller's Office concerning a new form of handling college costs called the student payment agreement.

The agreement explains the terms of paying the student account each term. A copy of the form was attached to the e-mail sent out. Students registering for the 2000-2001 school year are required to sign the agreement prior to registering for classes and prior to paying the housing deposit.

This new agreement was made as an effort to improve the efficiency of payments made by students.

"Previously, students had no deadlines when to pay," said President Jack Ohle. "We are merely bringing Wartburg up to date with the other colleges."

Students who have not signed this agreement should go to the Controller's Office for information.