(The Center Square) – Schools in the University of Wisconsin system will have to justify online class fees if a bill that passed the Senate becomes law.
The bill would prevent University of Wisconsin schools from assessing the online class fees unless the school can show actual additional costs to conduct the classes online.
“SB 532 eliminates unwarranted hidden fees that needlessly add to the cost of college coursework, classes that are often required to graduate and start a career. This bill is about transparency, affordability and fairness, but it’s also about embracing change,” Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, said in a statement.
The bill passed the Senate with an 18-15 vote.
Representatives from the UW System said in committee that online courses can cost more for technology purposes and due to training of professors but those costs are sometimes difficult to identify clearly.
Hutton said that the fees at six UW campuses are $150 for a three-credit course and some of the classes are only offered online, forcing students to pay the fee.
“Technology should make a higher education more accessible and less costly, not the other way around,” Hutton said. “This bill helps UW campuses step into the future as more students seek greater flexibility and affordability.”
