By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
LYNNWOOD — A hefty jump in tuition and fees awaits community and technical college students next fall.
The increases approved by the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges Thursday will raise tuition by about 8.5 percent for part-time students and 13.7 percent for full-time students taking 15 credits.
For that typical full-time student, the increase will cost about $240 during the school year.
"These are painful times," Tom Koenninger, chairman of the state board and the grandfather of a community college student, said moments before the 6-1 vote to raise tuition.
Koenninger won’t get much argument from local community college students.
"I understand that they have to, but it’s just going to be hard for community college students," said Alicia Daniel, 23, a business administration student at Everett Community College. "A lot of the students are here because they can’t afford a four-year college.
"I think the students are aware of it, but I don’t think they like it," added Daniel, a Marysville resident who is student body vice president of budget and finance.
"That is very disturbing," said Josh Seyer, 21, a music and business student who serves as a student body vice president at Edmonds Community College. "A lot of students feel there is nothing they can do about it except apply for more financial aid."
"I can imagine there will be a little bit of angst out there," said Stu Barger, vice president of educational services at Everett Community College.
During its most recent session, the Legislature cut appropriations to community colleges by 3 percent.
At the same time, it authorized tuition increases by an average of 12 percent at community colleges to help make up the difference.
In passing the tuition increase, the state board also changed the tuition structure. Historically, students could pay the same amount of tuition if they took between 10 and 18 credits.
That will change next fall. A student now taking between 10 and 18 credits pays $581 per quarter. Next fall, a student taking 10 credits will pay $630 per quarter while a student taking 18 credits will pay $679. It amounts to an additional $6.10 per credit per quarter.
Those costs can vary from college to college depending on how much each institution charges in student fees.
Under the traditional rate structure, part-time students have paid much more than full-time students per credit hour, state officials said.
"A part-time student pays 50 percent more for a degree," said Lorna Sutton, a spokeswoman for the state board.
The change in rate structure is a first step in addressing that equity issue, she said.
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446 or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
Average annual cost of tuition statewide for full-time community college students:
1998-99: $1,515
1999-00: $1,584
2000-01: $1,641
2001-02: $1,743
2002-03: $1,983
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