Jordan Cornell
Lantern Staff
This year Butler Community College made some changes to their tuition price for students. In-county students of Butler County saw a $2 decrease in tuition costs per credit hour this semester while out of county students’ tuition costs increased $4 per credit hour. This change went into effect for the 2019-2020 school year.
The discussion about changing tuition started at the strategic enrollment management team, and then went to Executive Council, followed by a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. There were concerns brought to the board a year ago by Butler County citizens. The Board, at the time, had already set tuition and fees for the year and chose not to change them for last year’s fiscal year. That was only one factor in the discussion this year in determining tuition and fees.
“The citizens of Butler County paid over $15,000,000 in taxes for college operations last year, so it is deemed important to provide a degree of tuition assistance to Butler County residents,” Kent Williams, vice president of Finance, said.
Adjustments to tuition costs are something that Butler Community College looks at each year, but after feedback from Butler County residents, a plan was formed to reduce tuition for in-county students. Freshman Emily Tharp, who has a cross country scholarship, did not know her tuition was lowered; however, it is information that is available to the public.
“I know a lot of my friends that played football were upset because they weren’t getting offers from Butler, but from other colleges,” Tharp said.
Tuition costs are a significant factor when a student selects which college they attend, and the lowered tuition costs are also an incentive for Butler County residents to attend Butler Community College.
“They should offer everyone the same advantages,” freshman Amy Kersten said. “I personally don’t think it’s fair because everyone should have the same opportunity to pay for college [be]cause for everyone it should be the same, you’re all paying for the same. It doesn’t make sense that just because these people live closer, they pay less.”
Vice President of Academics Lori Winningham hopes it is received as a “positive message” that the Board and administration of Butler Community College is listening to concerns raised in the community.
Tuition and rates are typically adjusted on an annual basis as many factors are considered. It is always a matter of balance between student affordability and raising enough revenue to maintain high quality instruction, student services and facilities.