Tuition

As the Free Lance-Star and the Culpeper Star Exponent note today, community college tuition and fees was increased by 7.6% at the May meeting of the State Board for Community Colleges. However, it is not true that Germanna's increase is more than the other 22 community colleges.

Germanna's tuition is set by the State Board and is the same as 20 of the other 22 community colleges. Northern Virginia and J. Sergeant Reynolds CCs both charge a slightly higher tuition. Germanna has the option of requesting a similar increase, but we have chosen not to do so in order to stay more affordable. Fees varies slightly from college to college, although Tidewater has the highest student activity fee as part of their effort to erect student center buildings.

While the percentage increase for community colleges was higher than other public institutions for higher education in Virginia, it was the second lowest dollar increase across the state.

As a comparison, while Germanna's tuition for an average full-time student will rise by just under $200, both Virginia Tech and UVA will see an increase of about $400 and William and Mary about $500. The difference in cost between a community college education and a state university education in Virginia will thus grow even greater.

Nonetheless, we do not take the cost increase lightly. Our mission is to be both accessible and affordable. We regret any increase in tuition and fees.

But we face the third cut in state funding in less than 2 years, which the Governor will announce in the next few weeks. We are too often faced with a choice between increasing tuition or reducing even further the services and programs we offer our students and communities.

Should further budget cuts put at risk our ability to offer fundamental services or necessary programs, we will be forced to seek additional funding. We hope to do so through grants and donations.

It is a tough time for our citizens, students and communities. Community colleges are being called on to be an even better resource to help turn our commonwealth and nation around, and to prepare the citizens and workforce for a positive future. We at Germanna promise to do all that we can to limit the harm done by the budget cuts and to provide the key programs, learning and services you need.

That is the mission we have signed on to.