EL PASO, TX -- Once again, the University of Texas El Paso is looking into whether students should pay more to attend classes.

While no specifics are outlined in how much the tuition could increase, UTEP says full-time students taking 15 hours, or five classes, currently shell out $3,184 a semester.

"There's a bunch of other schools that I know other people are going to and tuition can be $10 grand, $30 grand, so for UTEP I don't think it's that big a deal," said Steven Garmon, a mathematics major.

Garmon receives help paying for his tuition through financial aid. But the college sophomore told ABC-7 he would like to know how the proposed increase would be allocated.

"If they're going to use it towards construction, then that's fine," said Garmon. "If they're going to use it for something else that people may not agree with, then it depends."

UTEP said in a news release sent to the media earlier this week that the increase will allow the university to continue enhancing the quality of education and preserve affordability, while promoting student retention and graduation.

"If I would see it in a beneficial way, yes, it would be great. But I'm not seeing it so far in the courses I'm taking," retorted Vanessa Rodriguez, a nursing major. She went on to express her frustration with the lack of student teachers in her tougher classes.

"I want to see more help for the students. I want to see people who are dedicated to actually finding tutors, helping students who really want to learn," Rodriguez added.

If approved, the proposed increase would take effect in the fall of 2010.

Forum schedule:

Today, Union Cinema in Union Building East (first floor), 11:30am

Thursday, Undergraduate Learning Center Rm. 106, 3pm (open to the public)

Written for kvia.com by Anchor/Reporter Stephanie Valle