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ETSU trustees approve large tuition cut and scholarships for Gatton College of Pharmacy
Summary
The Board of Trustees approved reduced tuition rates for the Gatton College of Pharmacy for 2023–24, funded in part by a $2.5 million recurring state appropriation plus a $720,000 scholarship pool that will include 36 four‑year $5,000 scholarships and $200,000 for student success coordinators.
The East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees voted to approve a package of tuition reductions and student supports for the Gatton College of Pharmacy for the 2023–24 academic year.
Christie Graham, asked to present the item, said the college received a $2.5 million recurring appropriation from the state and is proposing a commensurate tuition decrease to make the degree more affordable. "In light of the historic appropriation of 2 and a half million in recurring state funding received during the 2023 legislative session, the Gatton College of Pharmacy is requesting a commensurate decrease in tuition rates for the 2023–24 academic year," Graham said.
Under the approved proposal, in‑state tuition will drop to $27,000 and out‑of‑state tuition to $33,000. Graham characterized the changes as a reduction of more than 30 percent for in‑state students and roughly 15 percent for out‑of‑state students, with estimated tuition revenue reductions of about $1,000,000 and $500,000, respectively. She said the changes will save an estimated $46,696 for in‑state students and $22,696 for out‑of‑state students over the length of the program.
The package also includes a $720,000 scholarship pool. Graham said the college will fund 36 four‑year scholarships at $5,000 per year for incoming Tennessee students, which she said will bring effective tuition for those students to about $22,000. The presentation also allocated $200,000 to hire three student success coordinators to support retention and student outcomes.
Board members took a voice vote on the motion to approve the tuition changes; after an affirmative voice vote the chair announced, "Motion carries." An unidentified board member who spoke after the vote called the action "historic" and thanked state leaders and an internal advocate, saying their work over multiple years helped secure the funding.
The board did not record questions from trustees during the presentation and took the action at the meeting. The board noted the intent is to use the state appropriation and scholarship funds to reduce student costs and support enrollment and retention.
