Anticipating a minimum of a $4 million shortfall in revenue due to cuts in state appropriations and continuing, significant declines in property tax revenues, the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees authorized an 11 percent increase in tuition for 2010-11. The board had held the line on the college’s tuition for the past fiscal year in recognition of the drastic financial and employment challenges faced by residents during the depths of the recession.
“Unfortunately, we’re facing a new era in which the old model of educational funding can no longer support the reality of community needs,” said Jim Jacobs, president, Macomb Community College. “Our goal with tuition has always been to keep rates as low as possible, provide up-to-date educational programs for our students and present a balanced, fiscally responsible budget. With two-thirds of our traditional budget sources threatened by continual erosion, it is essential that the college plans for longer-term financial strategies to overcome ongoing declines in both state appropriations and property tax revenue.”
Resident tuition will increase from $72 to $80 per credit hour. However, even with the increase, Macomb’s tuition is still within the middle range of that of the other 27 community colleges in the state. A new $10 student services fee will also be assessed. A recent survey of the total charged for tuition and fees by Michigan community colleges shows that costs for a typical student beginning at Macomb is 11 percent below the state average.
“We’re committed to making responsible decisions to ensure that Macomb Community College can continue to provide meaningful education and training as more residents of all ages – from new high school graduates to those displaced from the workforce – turn to the college to position themselves and our community for a sustainable future,” said Jacobs. During the past five years, enrollment of degree-credit students at Macomb has increased by more than 28 percent.
All of Macomb College’s tuition rates will increase 11 percent: Nonresident from $110 to $122; out of state/ foreign from $143 to $159; affiliate (those living in areas not served by a community college district) from $91 to $101; and minimum variable (contract) from $72 to $80.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
heatond@macomb.edu
586.445.7271