A a result of converting from quarters to semesters, Washington State Community College's tuition will increase $200 annually.
The college's board of trustees approved the increase during a regular meeting Monday.
The change means full-time, in-state students will pay $4,140 annually, rather than the $3,940 they're currently paying. Out-of-state students will pay $266 per semester credit hour rather than $133.
The college's chief financial officer, Jess Raines, said it's important that the college continue to be affordable; however, the hike is necessary in order it to keep its expenses in line with its revenue.
"We've done amazing work to keep the cost of tuition low, but unfortunately, just as your costs and everything you do in your business and your personal life are increasing, so are those costs at the college," he said.
He noted that the college's tuition increased 23.31 percent from fiscal year 2002-2003 to fiscal year 2011-2012, while the average increase among Ohio community colleges is 37.99 percent.
Fact Box
Washington State
Community College tuition
- Full-time, in-state students will pay $4,140 annually, rather than the $3,940 they're currently paying.
- Out-of-state students will pay $266 per semester credit hour rather than $133 per quarter hour.
The college will transition from quarters to semesters beginning this fall, meaning its academic calendar will go from three 11-week quarters to two 16-week semesters. The Ohio Board of Regents mandated all University System of Ohio institutions make the change.
Also during the meeting Monday, chief enrollment management officer Amanda Herb shared with trustees the latest enrollment numbers.
"We're currently at 1,320 for our headcount and our FTE (full-time enrollment) is at approximately 1,012," she said. "Right now, we're about 60 percent of the way to our spring 2011 numbers. For our spring 2011, we finished up with (a headcount of) 2,201."
She added that registration is still underway, having just started Feb. 13.
A new scholarship program for West Virginia residents was also discussed during the meeting Monday. It would enable full-time students from Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood Counties to receive $2,400 per year for up to two years.
To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in the college's Business and Technology Programs. The college hopes to begin offering the scholarships next year.
"We plan to offer up to 45 scholarships depending on the strength of the applicants," Herb said.
