CONCORD, N.H. - State funding makes a big difference for New Hampshire families and freezing in-state tuition for an additional two years makes it much more likely young people will stay in state to attend college, University System of New Hampshire representatives testified at a budget hearing today.

USNH outlined a funding request that restores state support to the level provided in 2009. In return, USNH would guarantee a second two-year freeze on tuition for New Hampshire students and their families.  

"We are eager to continue our partnership with the state and we need the support of the governor in order for that to happen," said Pamela Diamantis, chair of the USNH board of trustees. "It is critical for the future of our state that we join together to make public higher education more affordable for the 20,000 plus New Hampshire students who will in turn help us meet the state's workforce demands."

University of New Hampshire President Mark Huddleston noted that every school in the system experienced a sharp drop in the number of applications from New Hampshire students after the state's record-setting 49 percent cut in funding in 2011. Given that New Hampshire already had one of the highest rates of high school students leaving the state to attend college, an additional two-year freeze on the in-state tuition will make a big difference.

"I often run into students across campus who tell me how important the freeze has been for their family," Huddleston said. "When it was implemented we saw a jump in applications from New Hampshire students, and this year we welcomed our largest ever first-year class with a seven percent increase in Granite State residents. Let me be clear. It really does make a difference."

In addition to extending the in-state tuition freeze an additional two years, a full restoration of public support for USNH will result in scholarships for STEM programs. USNH is the state's primary supplier of STEM bachelor's degrees awarding more four-year STEM degrees in 2013 than all other New Hampshire institutions combined. The funding will also provide support for partnership programs with the state's community college system that target specific workforce needs.

"We have achieved savings in healthcare costs, a change in banking services, continued tight fiscal management, but we still need the state's help to remain affordable and to address the economy's workforce needs," USNH Chancellor Todd Leach said. "An investment in public higher education is one of the best long-term investments the state can make."

The university system request is for $100 million in fiscal year 2016 and $105 million in fiscal year 2017.

For further information on the USNH funding request view details here: /unhtoday/news/docs/2014/USNH_State_Budget_Request_FY16 FY17.pdf