CCAC Raises Tuition in Response to State, Local Funding Cuts

The Community College of Allegheny County Board of Trustees on Thursday responded to reductions in the college’s state and local funding with an $8.25 per credit tuition increase beginning with the spring 2012 term, in addition to significant cuts already made to the college’s budget.

The tuition changes follow cuts Allegheny County faced from the state that led to a reduction in CCAC’s allocation from the county by $2.5 million. Immediately after that announcement, the college expanded an administrative hiring freeze to include faculty and staff positions and eliminated administrative salary increases for the year.

The college is exploring additional cost-saving measures that could be implemented in the coming months, according to a news release from the college.

CCAC’s 2011–2012 budget, which the trustees approved in May and took effect July 1, already accounted for a $3.5 million reduction in the college’s state funding. The budget’s expenditures are $1 million less than the previous year, including the elimination of several administrative positions and cuts to many budget line items.

In the spring, tuition will increase from $87.25 per credit to $95.50. Student fees will also increase $4 per credit. Tuition for all students living outside Allegheny County will be set at twice the in-county rate, or $191 per credit.

CCAC will adopt a flat-rate tuition model beginning with the spring term. All full-time students taking 12 to 18 credits per semester will pay $1,432.50 in tuition, the equivalent of 15 credits.

“This increase is necessary in order to continue to provide a quality education in the face of a significant revenue shortfall due to actions by the commonwealth,” said William Russell Robinson, board chairman. “Nonetheless, a CCAC education will remain considerably more affordable than other higher education options in our region.”

The new tuition rate places CCAC ninth in terms of costs among the state’s 14 community colleges.

A letter will be sent to all current CCAC students explaining the changes for spring 2012.