An editorial in today’s Anchorage Daily News praises the University for its decision to cut undergraduate tuition by 34 percent, calling APU’s rollback a “fresh breeze” in a higher education climate dominated by steadily climbing tuition.

“APU adds to the richness of choice in higher education” in Alaska, the Daily News said. “The tuition cut makes that choice a little more affordable.”

The Daily News noted that lowering tuition runs counter to trends, but makes sense.

Quoting President Bantz, the newspaper said APU can afford the cut for two reasons: Operating today under its capacity of 750 students, the University is positioned to add students without taxing faculty or facilities. And while an APU education costs about $30,000 a year, income from APU-owned properties can cover the tuition reduction.

“Not every school has that option,” the Daily News said.

Starting in fall 2014, APU tuition will drop to $19,500 from today’s price of $29,700. Reduced tuition combined with APU aid and scholarships make the University competitive with West Coast public schools that court Alaska students.

Today’s editorial also highlights the University’s new first-year experience course for freshmen and sophomore transfers starting in the fall.

Expedition Alaska – which features a 158-mile float trip down the Yukon River and includes Bantz among expedition faculty – further distinguishes APU, the Daily News said.

“APU has long held a solid place in the higher education landscape here,” the editorial continued. “Bottom line: APU tuition cut is good news.”