Despite 5% state budget cuts, all 15 public colleges and universities, including Indiana University Northwest and Purdue Northwest, won’t raise tuition or fees for the next two years.

Gov. Mike Braun said Tuesday the schools’ tuition freeze covers in-state undergraduate students.

“The commitment made by all of Indiana’s public colleges and universities puts students and parents first and demonstrates to the rest of the country that Indiana is a leader in providing a high-quality education at an affordable price,” Braun said in a release.

According to state records, the release said it marks the first time since at least 2010 that more than two campuses have simultaneously held tuition flat.

When he took office, Braun urged all public agencies to scrutinize spending and “do more with less.” In addition to the 5% operating reduction, colleges and universities also have an additional 5% held in reserve.

“Higher education institutions should address the reductions in the same way as other state entities: by refocusing on their core missions, finding efficiencies, eliminating redundancies, and identifying ways to streamline the delivery of higher education,” Braun said earlier.The state Commission for Higher Education endorsed Braun’s recommended tuition freeze in May.

That same month, Ivy Tech Community College announced 202 layoffs due to the budget cuts and tuition freeze. There were 13 layoffs at the Lake County campus and 10 at the Valparaiso campus as college officials stemmed a $54 million deficit.

State law requires any institution seeking to increase tuition beyond the recommendation to formally present a justification to the State Budget Committee.

“Keeping tuition flat keeps the door open for students of all backgrounds, all ZIP codes, and all walks of life. It sends the message that education is not just for one demographic — it’s for all people. It’s not just a number. It’s the difference between opportunity and what feels impossible,” said Samantha Fleischaker, the commission’s student member who attends the University of Southern Indiana.

In its May report, the commission said Indiana recorded a 2.2% enrollment increase across its public institutions and a 3.3% enrollment increase at its private non-profit institutions last fall. It said Indiana ranks 9th in the nation for completion rates.

Institutions that froze tuition were:

Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University East, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Northwest, Indiana University South Bend, Indiana University Southeast, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University West Lafayette, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Northwest, University of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.