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| For Release: IMMEDIATE | Contact: Public Affairs |
| Date: August 30, 2001 |
Legislators Increase Community College Tuition
RALEIGH: Effective immediately, community college students will pay more to attend the college of their choice. The General Assembly approved an increase of $3.50/semester hour for curriculum resident and non-resident students on Wednesday.
This action means a tuition increase from $27.50/credit hour to $31.00/credit hour for resident students and an increase from $169.75/credit hour to $173.25/credit hour for non-residents. The maximum in-state tuition rate for a semester is now $496.00, up from the previous $440.00. This increase was included in the Continuing Resolution approved by the General Assembly on Wednesday evening.
Originally the Senate had proposed the $3.50 increase and the House countered with a $2.50 hike. Because of the conflict, community colleges across the state have been in a state of limbo. They had to wait for the definite word on the increase so final bills could be sent to students. Community colleges consequently billed their students at last year’s tuition rate and now must charge them for the increase.
North Carolina Community College System President Martin Lancaster is concerned that this tuition increase comes at a time when many students are least able to absorb it.
"This is a very difficult situation for our students, the majority of whom are working adults with significant family responsibilities. Many have been laid off and are the least able to afford tuition hikes," said Lancaster. These newly unemployed people have turned to community colleges seeking new job skills.
Community college students are encouraged to take advantage of the various financial aid and tax-incentive opportunities that exist to offset this increase.
-NCCCS-
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