Says that reducing tuition emulates typical business approach when there is a supply over demand problem and may help generate larger enrollment in a tough market
East Valley education advocate Ruth Wicks suggested to the Community College Governing Board at its October 8 meeting that it consider reducing the cost of tuition. Wicks’ noted that during the last few years the College had seen a “dramatic drop in enrollment.” Enrollment has dropped despite increased population growth in Yavapai County and “sister institutions have flourished,” she said.
Wicks argued that dropping tuition to attract students would be a “daring” step by the College. She also argued that if you have an excess supply of a product in business because of few buyers, you commonly drop the price to gain buyers. The College should emulate this model, she said.
She also said that there is concern that students who are not eligible for government assistance because of their assets, might still be unable to afford college. By reducing tuition, those students might be attracted to enroll and improve their marketable skills.
Wicks noted that there may be excess funds in the Community College budget that could be used to make up for the loss of revenue.
You my view all of her interesting argument in the video below.