March 5, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCCC RAISES COST PER CREDIT HOUR BY $3

College Remains One of the Least
Expensive Community Colleges in the State

MONROE, Mich. – At its monthly meeting last week, the Monroe Community College Board of Trustees approved a $3 per credit hour tuition rate increase for students who are Monroe County residents.

Beginning with the upcoming fall semester – which begins August 28 – students who are residents of the county will pay $67 per credit hour, up from $64.

In addition, the Board approved fall semester tuition rate increases for students who are not residents of Monroe County.  Students living in Michigan but outside Monroe County will pay $115 per credit hour, up $5.  Students from out of state will pay $128, up $6.

The college’s technology fee was not increased.  It will remain at $6 per credit hour.

“The Board’s decision on tuition increases followed a comprehensive discussion of current and projected college revenues, tuition rates at our sister institutions, contractual commitments to college employees and our longstanding commitment to providing a high-quality college learning experience while maintaining affordability and accessibility for our students,” said William J. Bacarella Jr., vice chair of the Board of Trustees.   
Despite the increase, MCCC remains one of the least expensive community colleges in the state.  At the new 2008-2009 rate of $67, MCCC’s in-district tuition rate will still be lower than the 2007-2008 in-district tuition rates of 21 of the 27 other community colleges in Michigan.

According to President Dr. David Nixon, MCCC, like other non-profit organizations and businesses, is faced with rising costs – especially in areas such as health care – and 80 percent of the college’s annual budget goes toward wages and salaries.

“That’s the cost of delivering quality education,” Nixon said.  “What MCCC has to offer is especially important at a time when learning outcomes can be priceless if they are related to the jobs that demand high skills.  When compared to other universities and community colleges, MCCC remains a bargain, especially when you consider that – according to a recent economic impact study – every dollar invested by an MCCC student means $10.20 in higher future earnings for the student over his or her career.”

 “The Board is particularly proud that MCCC continues to offer a broad spectrum of higher educational opportunities at one of the lowest rates in the state of Michigan when compared to the other 27 community colleges,” said Trustee William H. Braunlich.  “Further, The Foundation at MCCC has dramatically expanded the number of scholarships available to our students.”