SWCC opts for no tuition increase

For the first time in years, students at Southwestern Community College won’t be paying more for tuition if they return to the college next year. The college is keeping tuition for 2008-09 at the exact same amount it is charging this year. “To my recollection, in the last 29 years, I don’t think we’ve had a year when we did not increase the tuition,” said Board President Larry Mark at SWCC’s regular meeting Tuesday. “I think that’s important to note, particularly since we’re in tough economic times, generally speaking.” Tuition will be $110.50 per credit hour for resident students and $142.50 for non-resident and international students. Tuition for non-resident and international students has been $142.50 since the 2005-06 school year, and is not increasing next year. Tuition for students who take classes online is set by a consortium, and will remain at $132. Last year, SWCC increased tuition $10 per credit hour for resident students. Mark noted that increase was significant. “We did have a larger raise last year, to give us a little cushion moving forward, however, we’re still fifth from the top in terms of our total tuition and fees,” he said. Other factors Board member Jan DeMott asked how many students commute to the college, and while Student Services Director Bill Taylor didn’t have the information right in front of him then, he told the Creston News Advertiser this morning. “Near 50 percent of our student body travels more than 11 miles to get to class,” he said. DeMott had suggested at the meeting Tuesday the college may have to take commuters into consideration in the future. “I was just thinking, with the price of gas and everything, whether they’re even going to think about commuting,” DeMott said. She suggested the college may need to look at bus transportation in the future as gas prices continue to rise. “That’s definitely a factor,” said Mark. “I think there’s probably going to be some carpooling and other combinations that allow students to offset that somewhat. It’s a big deal for our students.” This morning, Taylor agreed. “How can that not affect us? I think it’s going to continue to have an impact, and people are going to have to start making some tough decisions,” he said. “I expect our online courses will grow even more, and we’ll offer more classes through the Iowa Communication Network, ICN, at our centers.” Fees While tuition won’t increase next year, the college is adding fees for three classes: scuba diving, ceramics and studio classes. SWCC will charge $100 per student for scuba diving, $50 per student for ceramics and $25 per student for all studio art classes. Some nursing classes already have fees associated with them for specific tests and assessments, and those fees are not increasing next year. There is also a $12-per-credit-hour instructional and activity fee the college charges all students. This fee has been the same since 1997-98 and is not being raised for next year. However, expenses will increase for students living on campus. In February, the SWCC board agreed to increase room and board at the college by $100 per semester for students living in Spartan Suites and $75 per semester for students living in West and Wilson halls. The totals for a semester of room and board next year are $2,350 for Spartan Suites and $2,075 for West and Wilson halls. —————— Jasmynne Sloan can be reached at (641) 782-2141 ext. 236 or jsloan@crestonnews.com