"A proposal to allow the state's public universities to raise tuition without the Legislature's approval is gaining momentum in Olympia.
The University of Washington and Washington State University, in particular, long have wanted to set their undergraduate tuition rates but have been rebuffed by lawmakers who've wanted to retain that power and keep the cost of college in check.
However, the $2.6 billion state budget shortfall — on the heels of last year's big cuts to higher education — has prompted lawmakers to look again at the idea as a way to let the universities raise more money"
The University of Washington and Washington State University, in particular, long have wanted to set their undergraduate tuition rates but have been rebuffed by lawmakers who've wanted to retain that power and keep the cost of college in check.
However, the $2.6 billion state budget shortfall — on the heels of last year's big cuts to higher education — has prompted lawmakers to look again at the idea as a way to let the universities raise more money"