In order to balance the Bucks County Community College’s budget for the 2019-20 academic year, its board of trustees have voted to increased tuition by $15 per credit for county residents. All other fees will be unchanged.
The decision was made during the board’s monthly meeting on April 11 at the Bucks County Community College Newton campus.
Although the increase was necessary in order to maintain academic services and quality, the college continues to be the best educational value for students in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania area, community college president Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt told Bucks Local News.
“We’re committed to providing the highest quality educational experience to prepare our students for the workforce or to transfer to the institution of their choice. This includes retaining dedicated faculty and offering small class sizes,” said Shanblatt. “This balanced budget allows us to invest in the success of our students, including support services like tutoring, the latest technology, and in-demand new programs.”
The community college is dedicated in serving all Bucks County residents, Shanblatt added, including degree-seeking students, local businesses and lifelong learners, through a strategic pathway the ensures positive outcomes. For instance, new workforce degree programs at the school address skilled labor shortages in high-demand jobs in the area.
The tuition increase at the public, two-year college will begin implementation at the start of the fall 2019 semester. As a result, tuition for students from Bucks County will increase from $150 per credit to $165 per credit.
Tuition for Pennsylvania residents living outside of Bucks County will go from $300 to $330 per credit, and out-of-state students’ tuition will increase from $450 to $495 per credit.
Overall, an average returning full-time Bucks County Community College student and Bucks County resident (taking 12 credits a semester) will pay $4898 for 24 credits and fees for the 2019-20 school year, a total increase of $360.
Bucks Community College offers over 80 programs of study to over 14,000 students seeking academic degrees, certificates, noncredit certifications, in addition to workforce training and many noncredit professional development services.
