With an increase in enrollment and a decline in state funding, the Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees approved a 3.5 percent increase in tuition on May 11, according to an e-mail sent to college faculty and staff from President Steven Johnson.
Beginning in the fall of 2010, Students that are Montgomery County residents will see an additional $1.65 for a total of $48.20 per credit hour; out-of-county residents an additional $2.65 per credit hour and out-of-state and international students will pay an extra $5.65 per credit hour. Johnson said full-time students will notice an increase of $75 per year because of the approval.
“We are still by far the lowest in Ohio,” Johnson said. “We know that our educational services are excellent and we know that going to any university will give you a good education.”
Trustees approved a similar increase last fall when a 3.5 percent increase was approved for winter of 2010.
“We just are so thankful that the students are choosing Sinclair,” Johnson said. “We’re so thankful we have the resources to serve them and we’re doing everything we can to help them.”
Communication student Justin Jancauskas said the increase was needed in order for the school to handle increasing enrollment.
“I think it is necessary,” Jancauskas said. “With so many new people coming in, you need to maintain that.”
Student Jeremiah Wolf agreed. He believes that the change won’t be noticeable for students receiving financial aid.
“Sinclair’s always been a really cheap school,” Wolf said. “Raising (tuition) a dollar or two isn’t a problem.”
Colleen, a nursing student who asked that her last name not be published, said she disliked the decision but wouldn’t complain because other nursing programs are still more expensive than Sinclair’s.
“I’m not too happy about it because I don’t get financial aid or student loans,” Colleen said.
The Board of Trustees also approved an expansion for Warren County’s Courseview Campus Center in Mason. An additional 32 acres of land was purchased near the satellite campus and “will be used to accommodate the continued enrollment growth of the campus,” according to the e-mail.
“The enrollment at Courseview is much higher than we were expecting at this time,” Johnson said. “The finances are good and the enrollment is going to continue to increase.”
Courseview Campus has experienced an unexpected growth in enrollment with more than 1,000 students enrolled. Sinclair still must await state approval with an expected decision dated for the summer.
In response to the achievements of the 2009-10 academic year, the Board of Trustees approved a faculty compensation plan that include a one-time “Thank You Payment” of $1,000 to all full-time employees, according to the e-mail. The Trustees also approved a 1.5 percent base increase for full-time employee salaries.
Below is the tuition rate for 2010 Fall quarter:
Fee Name Fee
Montgomery County Residents $48.20 per credit hour
Other Ohio Residents $78.70 per credit hour
Out-of-state Residents $156.20 per credit hour
Internatonal Residents $156.20 per credit hour