Tuition goes to hourly fee at tech college
FHTC ends tuition "ranges"
By Scott Rochat
Monday, March 12, 2007
Students at Flint Hills Technical College will pay $75 per credit hour in tuition next semester, regardless of class load.
The college's trustees on Monday voted to do away with the tuition "ranges" that the school had used. Previously, students paid $85 per credit hour for up to six hours. Six to eight hours cost a flat $510, nine to 11 hours cost $765 and 12 to 18 hours cost $1,020 before the hourly rate resumed again.
"It's a lot more equitable for our students and we're getting a lot more in line with what other institutions are doing throughout the state," said Lisa Kirmer, dean of student services.
The new rates will mean a saving for some students. Those enrolled in 12 credit hours, for example, would see their tuition drop from $1,020 to $900. On the other hand, those enrolled in 18 credit hours -- usually a nursing student or a double major for the tech college -- would see tuition go up from $1,020 to $1,350.
The changes only affect postsecondary tuition. The rates for high school students taking classes at the technical college will remain unchanged.
Even in the case of increases, Kirmer said, the student might not be affected too much. At least 75 percent of the student body qualifies for either a partial or full Pell grant and those dollars are increasing from $4,050 per student to $4,310. In addition, she said, student loans are going up to $3,500 for freshmen (from $2,625) and to $4,500 for sophomores (from $3,500).
"I don't think the students will notice the difference," Kirmer said.
"Until they start paying the loans back," trustee Jerry Fair said.
"True," Kirmer said.