Tuition fees at the U of C could rise by 47%

A higher education could soon mean a larger debt load.

Officials with the University of Calgary are floating a plan to raise tuition fees for professional programs by up to 47 per cent.

Some of the key faculties being targeted are engineering, business, law and medicine.

The figures haven't yet been submitted to the province but the numbers are staggering.

For law students, tuition would rise from $11,799 to $13,800. For medical students the fees go from $14,384 to $18,600.

"The reality is that costs are increasing and government grants aren't," U of C vice-president of external relations, Colleen Turner, tells the Calgary Herald.

Normally, increases are supposed to stick to the rate of inflation but the province has made a one time offer for larger mark-ups.

There is outrage from the U of C Students Union. It says many who attend the school are already having troubles paying for their education and these jumps could drive away potential new students.

SAIT, Mount Royal and ACAD say they won't follow the U of C's lead.

The proposed hike could take effect as soon as next year.