Board of Regents Sets 2019-20 Community College Tuition Rates
Under the adopted structure, tuition and mandatory fees will increase by 2.1 percent, or approximately $92 per year for full-time students.
The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) today voted unanimously to set tuition and fees for Connecticut’s 12 community colleges. Under the adopted structure, tuition and mandatory fees will increase by 2.1 percent, or approximately $92 per year for full-time students.
“The Board of Regents has always seen tuition increases as a last resort,” Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian said. “This year, the BOR was very conscious of making sure the increase was as palatable as possible for students. Even despite the increase, we anticipate drawing down significantly from college reserves. Our state colleges and universities are and will continue to be the most affordable and accessible option for Connecticut students to receive quality and affordable higher education.”
Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal calls for flat funding plus partial coverage of SEBAC raises. Without additional state funding, this tuition increase could leave the colleges with a budget gap of more than $30 million. This projection may change based on final fringe benefit rates, final state budget action, and individual campus budget development. The ultimate shortfall must be closed with use of reserves, campus spending reductions, or a combination.
The new structure eliminates the application fee, which is not covered by financial aid and had been a barrier for enrollment for students, and replaces it with a $5 per semester increase in the college services fee. A new nursing media fee of $247.75 will be charged for each of the four semesters required to complete the nursing program. This fee supports all the required books and materials for the students, yielding significant savings for students.