FSCC board approves tuition and fee increases

Students attending Fort Scott Community College in the fall might notice an increase in their cost of attendance from last year.

The FSCC Board of Trustees approved a 6 percent increase in the tuition and fees at their monthly meeting on Monday night.

"I hate to see the increase borne by students," FSCC President Clayton Tatro said. "But know we are still a major value for the community and students."

The increase includes a $3 tuition hike and a $2 increase in fees per credit hour. Additionally, most programs will also see a fee increase, including the trucking program and fuel charge fee which have remained constant since 2006.

And while some fees will increase, others will be eliminated or reallocated.

Previously, FSCC charged a $40 graduation fee at the time of commencement. Now that fee will be funded by adding 25 cents per credit to the general fees, so students will essentially pay the graduation fee throughout their time in school.

"I hope it will encourage more people to walk because they don't have to pay an outright fee," Tatro said.

FSCC tuition and fee increases have remained constant at about 5 or 6 percent for the past 10 years, board members said.

Board member Mark McCoy, who joined the board this past summer, said he had heard years ago that FSCC was No. 2 or 3 in terms of being least expensive.

"(As a) businessman, I know you can't survive like that," McCoy said. "It's about quality education."

With the increases, FSCC will remain around the middle of the pack in cost compared to other community colleges and universities, board members said.

"I think we tend to be on the low end when it comes to making those types of adjustments," board member Robert Nelson said. "The whole idea for us is to try and make your education process as affordable as you can. Nobody likes tuition increases; I don't either, but we have to do what we have to do for the college."

The necessary increase, Nelson said, made more sense and makes the processes easier for staff and students.

A board member since 1999, Nelson has witnessed his share of tuition and fee increases. While he hopes they won't rise again, based on experience, he knows they probably will.

"We hope it doesn't," Nelson said. "But we have to do what we can to keep the college going."