2008 Woodie Awards
Steep Fee Increases Must Be Flattened
Issue date: 8/25/04 Section: EDITORIALS
- Page 1 of 1
Despite the recent increase from $18 per unit to $26 per unit, California community college fees are by far the lowest in the country. Some Eastern state fees exceed $100 per unit.
For the fall 2004 semester, the typical full-time Citrus College student will pay $371, including student services, health and parking fees.
Obviously, community college is still a bargain. What is upsetting is not this year's bottom line but the rate of increase in community college fees.
In fall 2003, community college students paid $11 per unit.
In spring 2004, the California community college system lost 175,000 students when fees were raised
The per-unit cost has shot up from $11 to $26 in the span of just one year.
From spring 1992 to spring 1993, the increase in enrollment fees was $4.
By comparison, the $8 jump this semester is drastic.
With increased financial aid, scholarships and grants available, this $15 fee per unit increase is manageable for many students. But does that make the rate of increase fair, or right?
Every year people who need to improve their basic skills, especially in English and math, enroll in community college as a last chance to thrive in today's world.
All kinds of underrepresented groups look to community colleges to offer cost-effective, quality education.
How can community colleges be the door to higher education if they are not accessible?
What about those students who began college last fall, budgeting their finances around house payments, car payments, utility bills and enrollment fees?
They have had one year to earn an extra $200, not including the price of textbooks, which has steadily been on the rise as well.
The $26 per unit is fair; however, the rate of increase is not.
In March 2003, 15,000 students marched in Sacramento to protest the increased fee proposal. That sign of solidarity and involvement is proof that community college students value education.
Apparently the students are not the only ones who feel this way. State senator Jeff Denham proposed the Student Protection Act (SB 1329) in February. If passed, this bill would require that increases in fees not exceed 10 percent of the previous fee level in any calendar year.
We urge California legislators to pass the bill. If we continue to allow enrollment fees to increase at this outrageous percentage rate, we will be shutting the door to community colleges, leaving those in need out in the cold.
For the fall 2004 semester, the typical full-time Citrus College student will pay $371, including student services, health and parking fees.
Obviously, community college is still a bargain. What is upsetting is not this year's bottom line but the rate of increase in community college fees.
In fall 2003, community college students paid $11 per unit.
In spring 2004, the California community college system lost 175,000 students when fees were raised
The per-unit cost has shot up from $11 to $26 in the span of just one year.
From spring 1992 to spring 1993, the increase in enrollment fees was $4.
By comparison, the $8 jump this semester is drastic.
With increased financial aid, scholarships and grants available, this $15 fee per unit increase is manageable for many students. But does that make the rate of increase fair, or right?
Every year people who need to improve their basic skills, especially in English and math, enroll in community college as a last chance to thrive in today's world.
All kinds of underrepresented groups look to community colleges to offer cost-effective, quality education.
How can community colleges be the door to higher education if they are not accessible?
What about those students who began college last fall, budgeting their finances around house payments, car payments, utility bills and enrollment fees?
They have had one year to earn an extra $200, not including the price of textbooks, which has steadily been on the rise as well.
The $26 per unit is fair; however, the rate of increase is not.
In March 2003, 15,000 students marched in Sacramento to protest the increased fee proposal. That sign of solidarity and involvement is proof that community college students value education.
Apparently the students are not the only ones who feel this way. State senator Jeff Denham proposed the Student Protection Act (SB 1329) in February. If passed, this bill would require that increases in fees not exceed 10 percent of the previous fee level in any calendar year.
We urge California legislators to pass the bill. If we continue to allow enrollment fees to increase at this outrageous percentage rate, we will be shutting the door to community colleges, leaving those in need out in the cold.