Increase is a little over 4%; East County representatives say there is no need for increase given the surplus of funds in budget; declining market share
The Yavapai Community College Governing Board voted 3-2 to increase tuition a little over 4% at its meeting last Tuesday. This follows a pattern followed by a majority on the Board where over the past decade tuition has been increased in some form every year and at a rate at least double that of inflation. The increase was opposed by the two members on the Board who represent the east side of Yavapai County.
The East-County representatives said that it was unnecessary to impose the increase on County residents this year because the College had failed to show there was an immediate need for funding. They reminded the College that annually over the past several years it had reported a budgetary surplus in excess of $1 million dollars. The College admitted that it anticipated a similar surplus this coming year. They concluded that given the annual surplus of funds anticipated in the coming budget, there were more than sufficient funds to cover any cost increases incurred by the College for the next budgetary period.
They also argued that the College may be pricing itself out of the market despite what on the surface appears to be very reasonable tuition. Paul Chevalier observed that in business when your product is not selling well, the last thing you do is increase the price. He reminded the Board that over the past decade, the College has seen a steady decline in students seeking to take accredited courses.
Deb McCasland pointed out that the cost of attending college entails much more than tuition and that lower tuition meant more money for related living expenses. The College generally agreed with Dr. Clint Ewell saying it costs a Yavapai Community College student at least $14,000 a year to attend if you include books, transportation and living expenses.
You may view the arguments made by East-County representatives on the edited video clip below. You may view the entire Governing Board video and all the discussion by clicking here.