<p>Dear Amherst Students and Families,</p>
<p>I write to let you know that the Board of Trustees has established $53,370 as Amherst’s comprehensive fee for the academic year 2010-2011 [sic]. This fee increase is part of the final phase of the plan outlined by the Advisory Budget Committee (ABC) and endorsed by the Board of Trustees two years ago to help the College keep its projected budgets in line with what our reduced endowment can support. </p>
<p>The ABC plan has enabled Amherst to reduce its projected costs while strategically investing resources in sustaining the quality of our educational experience. For example, we are continuing with a record number of faculty hires to ensure that class sizes remain small and students have a broad array of curricular choices and ample opportunities for one-on-one interaction with our outstanding scholar-teachers. Amherst’s path-breaking financial aid programs allow the most promising young people to join our learning community, bringing diverse perspectives to classroom discussions and campus life. Unlike many of our peer institutions, we have not reintroduced loans into our financial aid packages or retreated from need-blind admission for all students. Academic and student support services have also been preserved. </p>
<p>I recognize that these remain difficult times, and that the cost of attending Amherst is a challenge for many families. If you are concerned about your tuition payments, please know that our financial aid office is here to help. We all also remain grateful for the loyal support Amherst receives from its alumni, parents and friends, who have for generations enabled Amherst to keep its comprehensive fee significantly lower than the cost of educating each student. </p>
<p>Yours,</p>
<p>Tony Marx</p>
<p>++++++++++++++++++++++</p>
<p>Anthony W. Marx</p>
<p>President</p>
<p>Amherst College</p>
<p>P.O. Box 5000</p>
<p>Amherst, MA 01002-5000 </p>
<p>Last year’s fee was $50,820…5% increase! OUCH.</p>