CINCINNATI -- Starting Spring 2010, students at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College will be paying more for tuition.
The trustees voted on Jan. 26 to increase tuition payments by 3.5 percent. Currently tuition is $80.20 per credit hour for Ohio residents and those in nearby Kentucky and Indiana counties who are covered under tuition reciprocity agreements. With the new increase, rates will rise to $83 per credit hour.
The trustees said that given the recent explosion in enrollment over the last year, consideration needed to be given for campus maintenance and the desire to offer more grants for low-income students.
Board chairman, Michael Oestreicher said that the trustees really wrestled with the decision.
According to a press release from the college, the price hike was driven by the need to:
"Provide targeted grants for low-income students, to make up for government grants to community colleges that were recently cut.
Address deferred maintenance, and provide adequate and safe facilities for students.
Respond to stresses on the organization caused by surging enrollment. This includes parking, computers for students, classroom space and the cost of adjunct faculty and full-time faculty overload pay to handle the increased courseload."
A year ago the campus's enrollment stood at 8,500 students. Today enrollment is 11,600 which is over a 23 percent increase.
“Ours is one of the most affordable campuses in Greater Cincinnati, and we want to keep it that way,’’ said Dr. John Henderson, President of Cincinnati State. “But we must do right by our customers – our students. They need a place to park. They need access to computers. They need to be able to talk to a counselor without waiting for hours. Our trustees are trying to make sure we can continue to provide these services.’’
