Fifty dollars per semester isn’t much, but Pittsburg State University officials deserve credit for using federal stimulus funds to give students at least a small tuition break.

The Kansas Board of Regents has instructed state universities to use most of their stimulus money on deferred maintenance. Those projects are among many pressing needs university officials see on their campuses. Yet, Pittsburg State also has recognized the pressing need facing many students and their families and will spend $375,000 of its expected $2.7 million in stimulus money to cut $50 off its tuition increase for the coming year. That means base tuition per semester will rise by $66 (4 percent) in the fall, instead of $116 (6.8 percent).

It’s not much, but it’s something. Kansas University, for instance, has announced no plans to curb tuition increases of 6 percent overall and 7 percent for freshmen entering into its guaranteed tuition program. Different schools have different demands, but tuition matters.

The state’s community colleges are expecting to see higher enrollment this fall because their tuition rates are significantly lower than those at state universities. Lower tuition rates also may be a selling point for the state’s three smaller universities, including Pittsburg State.

Even if it’s little more than a gesture, Pittsburg State’s tuition cut at least indicates a certain sensitivity that those paying the tuition bill should appreciate.