Tuition and Fees

Displaying 1 - 100 of 904

#	Title	Date	Summary
1	Food and financial insecurity Northern Iowan 118:40, p.3	03/07/2022	Lennon Janes gives their opinion on food and financial insecurity of students at the university; photo.
2	UNI most expensive public university in Iowa Northern Iowan 118:39, p.3	03/03/2022	Glenn Gray gives their opinion on UNI's current low enrollment and how changes should be made to better serve the taxpayers and students paying for UNI; photo.
3	College calculators aren't precise, but they could easily be made better Northern Iowan 118:24, p.3	11/18/2021	Authors from the Iowa Capitol Dispatch discusses the benefits and proposed improvements to college cost calculators; photo.
4	College debt effects on students Northern Iowan 118:15, p.3	10/18/2021	Opinion columnist Sierra Christensen discusses the effects of student loan debts on students; photo.
5	CRRSAA funds to be distributed soon Northern Iowan 117:37, p.1	03/01/2021	More than 3,300 UNI students (approximately one-third of spring enrollment) will receive COVID-19 relief funding as part of the latest federal aid package available through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) and distributed through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). $1,000-1,200 grants will be directly distributed to students with exceptional need based upon their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); photo.
6	DOR preps for recontracting, updates Northern Iowan 116:31, p.2	01/30/2020	The Department of Residence announced a number of changes to student housing, including starting the recontracting process in the spring instead of fall, the institution of a mixed community option for different classes of students, the reopening of Dancer Hall. Additionally, student dining will see changes including continuous hours for Piazza and Rialto dining centers and a new meal plan option. Prices will not be increasing; photo.
7	LTE: Board of Regents must listen to its students Northern Iowan 116:27, p.3	12/12/2019	The Iowa Student Action organization sends an open letter to the Board of Regents in regards to the rise of tuition and its effects on minority communities.
8	2019-2020 Student Fee proposal Northern Iowan 115:54, p.2	05/02/2019	After being met with resistance from students and review by the Board of Regents and President Nook, the Student Fee Committee sent its official proposal to the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) on April 30, including a $90,000 re-allocation to fund the Panther Shuttle and SafeRide, which were originally cut; photo.
9	Stand up for public transportation Northern Iowan 115:52, p.3	04/25/2019	Stekl argues in favor of continuing the public transportation services Panther Shuttle and Safe Ride for students, which the Student Fees Committee of the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) voted to cut; photos.
10	Iowa Democratic Party chair hosts roundtable Northern Iowan 115:4, p.2	09/06/2018	Troy Price, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, held a roundtable discussion to address student concerns about education in Iowa; photo.
11	University tuition increase affects social mobility Northern Iowan 115:2, p.3	08/30/2018	In the author's opinion, tuition increases are making Iowa's public universities less affordable to lower-income and middle-class students; photos.
12	Board of Regents approve tuition hike Northern Iowan 115:1, p.4	08/23/2018	The Iowa Board of Regents have approved a 2.8 percent tuition increase.
13	UNI tuition to climb for the 2018-2019 school year Northern Iowan 114:53, p.2	04/23/2018	The UNI is proposing a 2.8% tuition increase after the Board of Regents suggested a 2-4% increase for all regent universities.
14	Gov. candidate talks state funding Northern Iowan 114:17, p.2	10/23/2017	Governor candidate, John Norris, discuses his campaign plan, including how he plans to help students with the tuition increases and student loans; photo.
15	Nook's State of the University Address Northern Iowan 114:8, p.1	09/21/2017	UNI President, Mark Nook, gives his first annual State of the University Address. Nook talks about the state of our athletic and education departments, as well as the budget cuts from the State; photo.
16	Tuition Task Force devises tuition plans Northern Iowan 114:5, p.1	09/11/2017	The Tuition Task Force met at UNI to discuss the suggested tuition increase for the next school year; photo.
17	LTE: Marketing prof calls for tuition solutions Northern Iowan 114:3, p.3	08/31/2017	In a Letter to the Editor, Dennis Clayson, gives a response to the article on August 24, "Reynolds criticizes tuition hikes". Clayson thinks politicians and administrators should not ask for more tuition hikes and instead cut the cost of "extras' that students may or may not use; photo.
18	Reynolds criticizes tuition hikes Northern Iowan 114:1, p.4	08/24/2017	Governor Kim Reynolds is against the tuition spike of Iowa's three public universities. UNI President Mark Nook's plan to lower the burden on students involves gaining state funding; photo.
19	Will UI, ISU pay for UNI athletics? Northern Iowan 112:39, p.1	02/25/2016	State Senator David Johnson proposed a Senate bill that would direct funds from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University to UNI athletics; photos.
20	NISG debates psychiatric charge Northern Iowan 112:36, p.3	02/15/2016	Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) members Alex Stepanek and Parker Bennett write about NISG's discussions on the proposed change in billing for psychiatric services at the Student Health Center and its resolution to seek more information; photo.
21	Panther PAC combats inadequate funding Northern Iowan 112:36, p.1	02/15/2016	The newly-formed non-partisan, independent Panther Political Action Committee (Panther PAC) supports the university and endorsing state candidates who will advocate for UNI. The group is especially concerned with the legislature's funding disparity between UNI and the other Regents universities; photos.
22	Guest column: Growing discontent with the NI Northern Iowan 112:33, p.3	02/04/2016	In Massey's opinion, the student-funded Northern Iowan has published inaccurate and poorly-reported pieces, especially on the topics of Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) president Katie Evans and tuition increases.
23	Charges for mental health services proposed Northern Iowan 112:31, p.2	01/28/2016	In order to hire additional staff to meet student needs, the Student Health Center has proposed billing students for psychiatric care, a currently free service; photo.
24	Write essays for easy money Northern Iowan 112:26, p.3	12/07/2015	Students can fill out UNI's Scholarship Application to be considered for a variety of scholarships.
25	Guest column: "free tuition" myth cause for concern Northern Iowan 112:24, p.3	11/19/2015	In response to the November 5 Northern Iowan article "Hit by a car? No free tuition," Heppeard discusses pedestrian traffic and stressors on college students that may lead them to risk their health and safety, including rising costs of tuition, anxiety, and depression.
26	Trouble with ticket policy Northern Iowan 112:16, p.2	10/22/2015	UNI athletics has implemented a new policy requiring students to reserve event tickets ahead of a game instead of obtaining them at the entrance.
27	President addresses tuition increase Northern Iowan 112:14, p.4	10/15/2015	Student body president Katie Evans discusses why she supported a tuition increase.
28	Columnist misses the mark on tuition 'truth' Northern Iowan 112:13, p.3	10/12/2015	The author criticizes Gabe Gravert's October 5 Northern Iowan column, "The truth about your college tuition." Cobb supports expanded access to higher education and Bernie Sanders's free college tuition plan; photos.
29	The truth about your college tuition Northern Iowan 112:11, p.3	10/05/2015	Gravert discusses student loans and the rising cost of college, an issue receiving increased attention by presidential candidates. In the author's opinion, a solution would be to decrease loan amounts. Gravert also draws attention to the student debt incurred from for-profit colleges; photos.
30	All staff opinion column: what does the recent tuition hike mean for UNI? Northern Iowan 112:10, p.3	10/01/2015	The Northern Iowan staff members Hannah Carr-Murphy, Jesse Moeller, Abbi Cobb, and Michael Jackson give their opinions on the recently-approved mid-year tuition increase; photos.
31	UNI student debt on steady decline; enrollment to increase Northern Iowan 112:9, p.2	09/28/2015	UNI is seeing a decrease in student debt and an increase in enrollment.
32	President Evans approves of spring 2016 tuition increase Northern Iowan 112:7, p.1	09/21/2015	Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) approved a $100 mid-year tuition increase. NISG president Katie Evans says the money is necessary to maintain UNI's quality of education considering smaller state appropriations. The student body has mixed reactions concerning the rise; photo.
33	Distinguishing Bernie Sanders from Hillary Northern Iowan 112:6, p.3	09/17/2015	In a letter to the editor, Peterson compares presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, supporting Sanders.
34	Unfair student teaching fees Northern Iowan 111:47, p.4	04/06/2015	Corey Cooling shares his opinion on the student teaching fees; photo.
35	The Board of Regents' freeze: a political ploy that hurts students, universities Northern Iowan 111:26, p.4	12/08/2014	Student Corey Cooling discusses the recent decision to freeze undergraduate tuition and what that means for students attending the university.
36	Ruud Reports Northern Iowan 111:25, p.2	12/04/2014	UNI president Bill Ruud answers some hot questions around campus and shares his personal opinion on current events.
37	Unprecedented third consecutive tuition freeze approved Northern Iowan 111:25, p.1	12/04/2014	A third tuition freeze for resident undergraduate students was approved unanimously by the Board of Regents.
38	Follow-up on Student Services Fee Northern Iowan 110:55, p.3	05/01/2014	Corrects a statement made about the Student Services Fee that was printed in the April 28 issue of the Northern Iowan.
39	Budget approval means tuition freeze for UNI Northern Iowan 110:54, p.2	04/28/2014	The Iowa House and Senate approved a $986 million education budget that includes a four percent funding increase for the three Regent universities. An additional $2.625 million in special funding will allow UNI to freeze tuition for next academic year.
40	More transparency needed for SSF. Administration should re-examine fee process Northern Iowan 110:54, p.4	04/28/2014	Author would like an to know why President Ruud approved an additional $25 to the Student Services Fee for athletics without the recommendation of the Student Service Fee Committee. The student body also recommended against the additional fee; photo
41	Shuttle running out of steam Northern Iowan 110:54, p.1	04/28/2014	UNI's Panther Shuttle may be in jeopardy next year. For the past three years funding has been $30,000 in the red according to Thomas Madsen, former NISG president. The complexes have not signed the revised contracts to pay for advertising on the shuttle.
42	Additonal funding for UNI approved Public Relations News Release 2013:264, p.1	04/24/2014	Iowa House and Senate approved a 4 percent funding increase for each of Iowa's public universities along with an additional $2.6 million in special funding to UNI's base in recognition of its reliance on state funding.
43	Madsen reflects on student services fee decision Northern Iowan 110:50, p.1	04/14/2014	Thomas Madsen and Blake Findley approved the Board of Regents' request to remove $25 of funding for athletics from the General Education Fund. This money will be converted to the Student Services Fee fund. Some argue this may not be the right decision.
44	Alumni aid in cost of tuition Northern Iowan 110:47, p.1	04/03/2014	The UNI Foundation accepts donations from alumni and friends. The donations go toward scholarships and program funding, as well as other improvements to the university; photo.
45	Students face financial woes Northern Iowan 110:46, p.1	03/31/2014	Many students are having taking out large loans to attend school. The national student debt is increasing each year. Students can visit the Financial Aid office for advise on how to reduce debt; photo.
46	This week in UNI history Northern Iowan 110:38, p.4	02/20/2014	The article informs readers of several events that took place at this time in UNI history. The information is from Rod Library Special Collections and University Archives.
47	New Pew study discovers how students pay for higher education Northern Iowan 110:36, p.1	02/13/2014	A study by the Pew Research Center concluded that most college students pay for tuition through scholarships and their parents' income and savings. On average, UNI students graduate with less undergraduate debt than the national average; photo.
48	Sen. Hatch starts new campaign Northern Iowan 110:34, p.1	02/06/2014	As re-election season comes closer, Senator Jack Hatch has joined the race for governor. He believes that there needs to be more focus on funding for higher education. He supports Branstad's initiatives to help veterans, and wants to expand them.
49	Branstad's budget hits UNI issues Northern Iowan 110:28, p.1	01/16/2014	UNI will receive an extra $8 million for the next two fiscal years, if Governor Branstad's 2015 budget is passed. This is not as much as UNI requested. Branstad also requested $32.9 million to renovate Schindler Education Center; photo.
50	President Ruud expresses appreciation for Governor's support of tuition freeze Public Relations News Release 2013:155, p.1	01/14/2014	President Ruud expresses his thanks to Governor Branstad for the budget recommendations in support of UNI. This will allow UNI to freeze tuition for its second consecutive year. The Governor also supported the $2 million renovation of Schindler.
51	Why UNI needs a tuition freeze--and why $10 million matters Northern Iowa Today 97:1, p.7	01/01/2014	A look at the difficult financial situation of the university. Freezing tuition for the second consecutive year and making permanent last year's $10 million one-time funding would help.
52	UNI receives high ranking for affordability, academic quality, accessibility Public Relations News Release 2013:130, p.1	11/25/2013	UNI was ranked number 13 nationally and 4th in the Midwest in a ranking that assesses schools on affordability, academic quality, and accessibility. This is similar to President Obama's ranking system proposed in the higher education plan.
53	Read up and get educated about UNI Northern Iowan 110:24, p.4	11/19/2013	The editorial staff of the Northern Iowan urge students to educate themselves on current events and legislation regarding UNI. By being active members of the UNI community students will be better able to voice their opinions.
54	UNI community gives feedback on higher education reforms Northern Iowan 110:24, p.1	11/19/2013	UNI was selected as one of four schools in the nation to hold a public hearing with the U.S. Department of Education about college affordability. Administration is looking to tie federal financial aid to a rating system based on educational value; photo.
55	UNI requests more funding for athletics from students: Athletics hopes to reduce reliance on general fund Northern Iowan 110:20, p.1	11/05/2013	UNI is requesting the approval of the Board of Regents in raising the student services fee by $25. This would allow the athletic department to reduce their reliance on the general education fund.
56	Regents will discuss tuition and fees Northern Iowan 110:15, p.5	10/18/2013	The Iowa Board of Regents will meet at UNI to discuss funding for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The Regents are considering an increase in funding, which would freeze the tuition rate. UNI is requesting approval for a Center for Educational Transformation.
57	Tuition freeze could occur again Northern Iowan 110:11, p.1	10/04/2013	The Board of Regents announced they are supporting another tuition freeze. Student-body president, Tom Madsen, and vice-president, Blake Findley, will go to Des Moines in January to lobby for UNI in the legislature; photo.
58	UNI launches new scholarship initiative Northern Iowa Today 96:3, p.5	10/01/2013	UNI Foundation aims to raise $40 million over five years for scholarships. 86% of UNI students receive some kind of aid; tuition covers 58.7% of student costs; $23,575 was the average loan debt at graduation in 2012.
59	Fall turns focus toward savings Northern Iowan 110:7, p.2	09/20/2013	September is College Savings Month. The Office of Financial Aid, along with other organizations, are spreading the word about savings plans. The Office of Financial Aid offers a Live Like a Student program which many students find helpful.
60	Free college for the people Northern Iowan 110:5, p.5	09/13/2013	Author proposes the idea of free tuition at public universities instead of all the loans and grants. Our nation says that we value college education; the author feels it is time to show this through public policy.
61	The BOR will discuss big UNI items at meeting Northern Iowan 110:4, p.1	09/10/2013	UNI is requesting approximately $10 million from the Iowa Board of Regents. The university is hoping that this amount will be awarded yearly to UNI. This money would allow UNI to freeze tuition rates and renovate Schindler Education Center.
62	Ruud discusses enrollment plans Northern Iowan 110:1, p.1	08/22/2013	Enrollment at the University of Northern Iowa is decreasing. President Ruud is investigating a tuition advantage program for bordering states. There are also plans for three open house Saturdays during football season, complete with free tickets.
63	BOR proposes increase in funding for UNI Northern Iowan 109:40, p.1	03/05/2013	The Board of Regents discussed changes in the funding for the three universities in Iowa. They are talking about giving more funding to UNI, because more than ninety percent of UNI's students are from Iowa.
64	UNI gathers at Iowa Capitol Northern Iowan 109:35, p.1	02/15/2013	UNI students, staff, and alumni joined the first ever "UNI Day" in Des Moines, Iowa. They shared UNI's story with legislators and expressed the importance of UNI; photo.
65	BOR approval of tuition freeze contingent on state funding Northern Iowan 109:27, p.1	12/07/2012	Board of Regents voted in support of tuition freeze for 2014 contingent upon Iowa legislators' decision to provide additional funding for state universities. UNI Tuition and Fees would remain $6,648 for undergraduate students.
66	NISG votes in support of gradual student teaching fee increase Northern Iowan 109:26, p.1	12/04/2012	Northern Iowa Student Government votes in support of gradually increasing fees starting in fall 2013. Change in state requirements, no income during student teaching, and sudden announcement of increase are reasons for passage of resolution.
67	UNI; we are Iowa's university; a message from President Ben Allen Northern Iowa Today 94:4, p.2	12/01/2012	President Allen points out that UNI has a very high percentage of Iowa residents among its students; consequently, UNI needs additional support to make for a relatively low number of students from outside Iowa; photo.
68	Tuition freeze, grievance process and more Northern Iowan 109:21, p.4	11/06/2012	Letter from student body president Jordan Bancroft-Smithe addressing tuition freeze and grievance process. Update on tuition freeze meeting with Regents.
69	Student teaching fee to jump in fall 2013 Northern Iowan 109:20, p.1	11/02/2012	Institutional Fee Committee votes to raise fees for student teaching from $50 to $300. The additional money will go to mentor teachers and institutions.
70	BOR supports tuition freeze, approves end of tuition set-aside Northern Iowan 109:19, p.1	10/30/2012	Board of Regents discusses tuition rates and financial aid programs for Iowa universities. NISG President disagrees with proposed tuition freeze.
71	NISG votes against resolution supporting tuition freeze Northern Iowan 109:19, p.1	10/30/2012	Board of Regents held a meeting to discuss risk in supporting tuition freeze. Concerns raised regarding whether or not UNI would get additional financial assistance.
72	Letter to the editor Northern Iowan 109:14, p.4	10/12/2012	Student expresses concerns regarding financial aid and tuition. Analysis of presidential candidate positions and the reasons to vote for President Obama.
73	BOR proposes replacing tuition set-aside program Northern Iowan 109:10, p.1	09/28/2012	Reduction in tuition possible with a new $40 million state funded financial aid program for students. Board of Regents to vote on full plan during their October meeting.
74	BOR president proposes in-state tuition freeze Northern Iowan 109:9, p.1	09/25/2012	Proposed tuition freeze for in-state students. A request was also made for an increase to the general fund for regents universities by 2.6 percent, with an additional $4 million for UNI. The tuition freeze may make complications for UNI; photo.
75	Panthers: pay attention to pressing issues Northern Iowan 109:9, p.3	09/25/2012	Student body president reacts to proposal to shift athletic funding from general education fund to student services fee. Encourages students to express their views. Common question: What percentage of the general fund goes to athletics?
76	Student input needed on source of athletic funding Northern Iowan 109:7, p.4	09/18/2012	Removing athletics funds from the general fund has been the goal of many over the years. A proposed gradual increase in student fees until 2020 would support athletics. Tuition and fees proposal due to Board of Regents on October 1, 2012.
77	Enrollment drops by 7 per cent Northern Iowan 109:6, p.1	09/14/2012	A UNI large graduating class plus a reduced number of high school graduates in Iowa noted as the cause of decline. 92% of the student population is from Iowa; photo.
78	Rashida Jones, Adam Scott visit UNI to Rally young voters Northern Iowan 109:5, p.1	09/11/2012	Stars of "Parks and Recreation" spoke in Lang Auditorium. They will also speak to students at Drake, Iowa State, and the University of Iowa. President Obama's support of education stressed; photo.
79	Fast Facts about UNI Northern Iowan 108:54, p.	04/27/2012	Fourteen facts about the university; including four photos from events; photo.
80	Dannen: athletics funding model outdated Northern Iowan 108:53, p.1	04/24/2012	Athletics director agrees that the transfer of funds from the general fund to athletics is too high. He is suggesting a switch to funding from student fees. This concept has been used for several years by other universities; photo.
81	$14.5 million disparity between House and Senate budgets for UNI Northern Iowan 108:46, p.1	03/30/2012	The houses of the Iowa legislature are far apart on proposed funding for the coming year. The House has voted to freeze tuition rates. This will cost UNI another three million dollars in income; photo.
82	House panel votes to freeze tuition Northern Iowan 108:45, p.1	03/27/2012	Iowa House Appropriations Committee passed a bill, along party lines, that would potentially cut $31 million from Iowa's public universities next year. The bill would also freeze tuition; allowing no way to recover the lost funding.
83	Letter to the editor Northern Iowan 108:45, p.5	03/27/2012	Author states facts to back his contention that UNI has been underfunded for years, perhaps decades, as compared to the other Regents institutions.
84	Well, at least we've still got corn Northern Iowan 108:45, p.5	03/27/2012	It is clear that the state of Iowa no longer values education. Lack of financial support from the legislature has put UNI in the current crisis. The tuition freeze legislation and resulting cuts will only further hinder education in Iowa.
85	An alumnus' thoughts on UNI budget cuts Northern Iowan 108:41, p.4	03/02/2012	The thought that his university would have to cut costs brought a harsh reality to Jonathan Hinton. Many statistics are shared, including the doubling of tuition between 1997 and 2007 to make up for lack of funding from Des Moines.
86	Open letter to faculty Northern Iowan 108:40, p.4	02/28/2012	The university is experiencing difficult times. Student Body president urges students and faculty to be civil and respect each other. Name calling and false information will not help the situation.
87	Rep. Braley discusses student loan debt Northern Iowan 108:32, p.1	01/31/2012	With increased college tuition and room and board fees, students are creating significant student loan debt. Decreased availability of financial aid only worsens the situation; photo.
88	Student service fee Northern Iowan 108:28, p.4	01/13/2012	Former student and NISG senator urges the end of all-expenses paid trips to away football games, NCAA tournament games, and MVC tournaments in St. Louis.
89	Tuition: enough is enough Northern Iowan 108:28, p.4	01/13/2012	Students, faculty, staff, and parents urged to contact their local legislators and ensure that voices are heard concerning the never ending increases in the cost of education.
90	Bachman's views detrimental to education Northern Iowan 108:26, p.4	12/06/2011	Bachman's Q and A session where her desire to abolish the Department of Education came out. She supports intelligent design being taught in public schools. She showed no concern for increase tuition and student debt; photo.
91	President Allen hosts town hall meeting on budget Northern Iowan 108:24, p.9	11/18/2011	The Commons Ballroom hosted President Allen, as he shared views of the university budget. The university has implemented forty per cent of cost savings ideas suggested a few years ago; photo.
92	Osterberg debunks economic myths Northern Iowan 108:22, p.2	11/11/2011	David Osterberg, executive director of the Iowa Policy Project, states that Iowa's recession has been less severe than the national average. He further states that the state has cut support to state universities; causing higher tuition and fees.
93	Remarks on tuition increase proposal Northern Iowan 108:19, p.4	11/01/2011	Spencer Walrath, president of the NISG, shares the comments he presented to the Board of Regents; photo.
94	Student leaders support proposed tuition increase, call for change Northern Iowan 108:19, p.1	11/01/2011	Student body presidents address the Board of Regents on ever increasing tuition costs. Students believe that we are at a turning point. The cost of education cannot continue to increase; photo.
95	Take action on November 8 Northern Iowan 108:19, p.5	11/01/2011	Students encouraged to participate in the upcoming elections. Groups are not mutually exclusive. They may have slight differences, but hopefully these can be put aside and groups work together; photo.
96	NISG A snake biting its own tail Northern Iowan 108:18, p.4	10/28/2011	The debate on proposed tuition increases in the Northern Iowa Student Government senate resulted in an undesirable final resolution. Senators expressed the opinion that their input did not matter to the Board of Regents. Amendments were not debated.
97	Increasing our tuition without our permission Northern Iowan 108:17, p.4	10/25/2011	Finds it ironic that the NISG resolution supporting a 3.75% increase in tuition was still in the office; waiting to be mailed on October 24th. The Board of Regents announced on the 21st that they were proposing the same rate.
98	NISG passes tuition increase resolution Northern Iowan 108:17, p.3	10/25/2011	Discussion on a proposed bill to support a tuition increase was heated at times. There were several senators on both sides of the issue. In the end, the resolution was adopted.
99	Senate to vote on tuition increase resolution Northern Iowan 108:15, p.2	10/18/2011	Northern Iowa Student Government senate will vote to support the proposed 3.75% increase in tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year. This increase was proposed by the Board of Regents and supported by President Allen.
100	Stop the cuts Northern Iowan 108:10, p.3	09/30/2011	Students urged to contact legislators concerning the seemingly never ending cuts to education funding. Students now contribute more toward their education than does that state. Take advantage of all the available programs.