2008 Woodie Awards
College tuition continues to rise
Maggie Te Grotenhuis and Brandon Williams
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: News
Students at Kirkwood Community College might soon be paying more for tuition than they ever have before.
Kirkwood recently proposed a $9 per credit hour tuition increase which would take tuition from $103 to $112. The increase will likely have an immense effect on current and future Kirkwood students. "It seems like a lot. Tuition is expensive already," said Jessie Roberson, sign language interpreter major.
While some feel the increase is unsubstantiated other students feel the raise is justified.
"I do see the increase as valid. Just imagine what the heating bill is for this place," said Matthew Leisgang, business major.
"We have a $75 million budget. We have to look at what we'll get in property tax, state aid and finally, student tuition," said Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich.
Although tuition is currently set to increase $9 per credit hour, an 8.7 percent jump from last year, Starcevich is positive that it will not be that high.
"Our goal is to only increase $2 or $3 and we want to always stay below the inflation rate," said Starcevich.
The increase is due to several factors; primarily inflation and property cost increases.
"The school needs to make up the difference somehow," said Starcevich.
Kirkwood's Chief Financial Officer Jim Choate said, "Starcevich and I took a look at our long-term planning and we wanted to be within the $2-$3 range and we still think we can stay in that range."
The increase will take effect in Fall 2008. However, Starcevich said he does not see a future enrollment decrease due to the tuition hike.
Concerning out-of-state tuition, Starcevich said, "It will be $25 more overall but it will help these students save money in the long run."
As a recent Gazette article explained, Gov. Chet Culver originally proposed a $3.5 million increase in state aid to Iowa's 15 community colleges. This is nowhere near the $14 million that community colleges applied for.
He added that if the government gives the state $12.5 million, the tuition raise per credit hour will most likely be in the $2-$3 range. If the schools receive $10 million, the raise is more likely to be in the $3-$4 range.
"Every school will see a large increase in tuition. But, we are very hopeful that we will not have such a large increase," said Starcevich. Kirkwood is currently the ninth highest in Iowa for tuition among community college but has the lowest state property tax.
For students concerned that their tuition money is going into the reconstruction of Kirkwood's campus, Starcevich reassured that they need not worry. "No buildings are paid for with people's tuition money."
Choate added, "Mick and the administration will not put that burden on the students."
Choate said the final decision on the 08'-09' increase is likely to be made in May.
Kirkwood recently proposed a $9 per credit hour tuition increase which would take tuition from $103 to $112. The increase will likely have an immense effect on current and future Kirkwood students. "It seems like a lot. Tuition is expensive already," said Jessie Roberson, sign language interpreter major.
While some feel the increase is unsubstantiated other students feel the raise is justified.
"I do see the increase as valid. Just imagine what the heating bill is for this place," said Matthew Leisgang, business major.
"We have a $75 million budget. We have to look at what we'll get in property tax, state aid and finally, student tuition," said Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich.
Although tuition is currently set to increase $9 per credit hour, an 8.7 percent jump from last year, Starcevich is positive that it will not be that high.
"Our goal is to only increase $2 or $3 and we want to always stay below the inflation rate," said Starcevich.
The increase is due to several factors; primarily inflation and property cost increases.
"The school needs to make up the difference somehow," said Starcevich.
Kirkwood's Chief Financial Officer Jim Choate said, "Starcevich and I took a look at our long-term planning and we wanted to be within the $2-$3 range and we still think we can stay in that range."
The increase will take effect in Fall 2008. However, Starcevich said he does not see a future enrollment decrease due to the tuition hike.
Concerning out-of-state tuition, Starcevich said, "It will be $25 more overall but it will help these students save money in the long run."
As a recent Gazette article explained, Gov. Chet Culver originally proposed a $3.5 million increase in state aid to Iowa's 15 community colleges. This is nowhere near the $14 million that community colleges applied for.
He added that if the government gives the state $12.5 million, the tuition raise per credit hour will most likely be in the $2-$3 range. If the schools receive $10 million, the raise is more likely to be in the $3-$4 range.
"Every school will see a large increase in tuition. But, we are very hopeful that we will not have such a large increase," said Starcevich. Kirkwood is currently the ninth highest in Iowa for tuition among community college but has the lowest state property tax.
For students concerned that their tuition money is going into the reconstruction of Kirkwood's campus, Starcevich reassured that they need not worry. "No buildings are paid for with people's tuition money."
Choate added, "Mick and the administration will not put that burden on the students."
Choate said the final decision on the 08'-09' increase is likely to be made in May.
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