2008 Woodie Awards
Fall tuition increase largest since 2003
Kyle Patton
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News
Students can expect to pay more this fall for tuition due to the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board's decision to increase tuition by $6 per credit hour.
The Governing Board voted 4-1 in favor of the increase, which will raise the tuition for county residents from $65 per credit hour to $71, the largest increase in tuition since 2003-2004.
Out-of-state students can expect an increase from the current $97.50 per credit hour to $106.50.
The childcare fee, along with fees associated with parking, the Fitness Center, graduation and registration will not be affected by the Governing Boards' decision.
In a press release sent out by the MCCD Public Information department, the increase in tuition falls partially on the construction of new buildings in the district. The press release states "the cost of opening and operating the new buildings approved by 76 percent of voters in the 2004 bond election is among many student-centered priorities that will be funded by the increase."
"The action to change the tuition rate is done as a part of the Governing Board's public deliberation process," says Carl Couch, SCC's vice president of Business Services. "The Board actually reviews the potential changes in fees as an information item in one month and considers it for a vote in the following. All of this is done in public at its regularly scheduled meeting."
Chris Chesrown, director of Public Information, says, "I can tell you that there is quite a comprehensive review of fixed costs and anticipated expenses, as well as revenues needed to cover expenses before any proposal is presented to the Governing Board."
In 2004, Maricopa County residents voted overwhelmingly for the sale of $951 million in bonds that would bring more money into the MCCD system and improve the higher education system.
However, the bond money alone can't meet all of the district colleges' needs. There are 10 Maricopa Community Colleges in the district.
With the increase in tuition, along with the financial support received from the 2004 proposal, SCC will make changes around campus that are mostly student- oriented.
Among the top priorities are the construction of a new Physical Science and Life Science Building, an expansion of the Music and Performing Arts Building, renovation or remodeling of the Nursing Building, improving the athletic fields, and one of the more notable changes, a brand new Student Center.
The increase in tuition comes with help from the Financial Aid Department. Dee Shipley, director of Financial Aid, explains that there will be an increase in the amount of Pell Grants for the 2008-2009 school year.
Shipley says, "The highest Pell Grant for a full-time student will increase from $4,310 to $4,731."
Also, Shipley explains there will be an increase in different grants, such as the SEOG, LEAP and SLEAP grants, all of which will increase from $700 to $1,000.
The Governing Board voted 4-1 in favor of the increase, which will raise the tuition for county residents from $65 per credit hour to $71, the largest increase in tuition since 2003-2004.
Out-of-state students can expect an increase from the current $97.50 per credit hour to $106.50.
The childcare fee, along with fees associated with parking, the Fitness Center, graduation and registration will not be affected by the Governing Boards' decision.
In a press release sent out by the MCCD Public Information department, the increase in tuition falls partially on the construction of new buildings in the district. The press release states "the cost of opening and operating the new buildings approved by 76 percent of voters in the 2004 bond election is among many student-centered priorities that will be funded by the increase."
"The action to change the tuition rate is done as a part of the Governing Board's public deliberation process," says Carl Couch, SCC's vice president of Business Services. "The Board actually reviews the potential changes in fees as an information item in one month and considers it for a vote in the following. All of this is done in public at its regularly scheduled meeting."
Chris Chesrown, director of Public Information, says, "I can tell you that there is quite a comprehensive review of fixed costs and anticipated expenses, as well as revenues needed to cover expenses before any proposal is presented to the Governing Board."
In 2004, Maricopa County residents voted overwhelmingly for the sale of $951 million in bonds that would bring more money into the MCCD system and improve the higher education system.
However, the bond money alone can't meet all of the district colleges' needs. There are 10 Maricopa Community Colleges in the district.
With the increase in tuition, along with the financial support received from the 2004 proposal, SCC will make changes around campus that are mostly student- oriented.
Among the top priorities are the construction of a new Physical Science and Life Science Building, an expansion of the Music and Performing Arts Building, renovation or remodeling of the Nursing Building, improving the athletic fields, and one of the more notable changes, a brand new Student Center.
The increase in tuition comes with help from the Financial Aid Department. Dee Shipley, director of Financial Aid, explains that there will be an increase in the amount of Pell Grants for the 2008-2009 school year.
Shipley says, "The highest Pell Grant for a full-time student will increase from $4,310 to $4,731."
Also, Shipley explains there will be an increase in different grants, such as the SEOG, LEAP and SLEAP grants, all of which will increase from $700 to $1,000.
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