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JCC Budget Calls for Tuition Hike

Story Published: Jun 28, 2011 at 2:56 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2011 at 7:51 PM EDT

The north country's most affordable option for a higher education is getting more expensive.

Because of cuts in state aid, students and local government will have to pay more to keep Jefferson Community College afloat.

"The fact that we have more students does help in terms of the revenue. Unfortunately, the decreases by the state of New York are so severe that we still have to make up for them and raise tuition," said JCC President Carole McCoy.

For a full time student, a semester will now cost more than $1,800.

That's an $84 increase.

For part-time students, classes will cost $152 per credit hour.

JCC is also requesting more money from Jefferson County - a 5 percent increase from last year - a total of $4.5 million.

County officials are preparing for the college's cost to go up every budget year.

"What was the state's problem is now becoming our problem because they're not able to fund it adequately," said Republican District 13 Legislator Scott Gray.

Community colleges receive state aid per student.

JCC has its highest enrollment yet, which helps to soften the blow.

But students say asking them to make up the difference isn't fair.

"It's kind of upsetting to know that my extra money will have to go towards more schooling," said JCC student Megan Trantham.

If the JCC budget is approved as is, tuition increases will go into effect when the fall semester begins in late August. 
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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