Affordable Higher Education Continues: Virginia Community Colleges Cap Tuition Increase at 3%

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The State Board for Community Colleges in Virginia has decided to cap the base tuition increase at three percent for the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision, supported by additional funding from the governor and the Virginia General Assembly, limits the increase to $4.79 per credit hour. Starting this fall, the new tuition rate will be $163.40 per credit hour, totaling $2,451.00 for a 15 credit-hour semester.

Peggy Layne, chair of the State Board, stated that the board aims to keep educational programs affordable and of high quality. She noted that tuition at Virginia’s community colleges is about one-third of that at the state’s public four-year universities, making them a more cost-effective option.

However, Virginia’s community colleges are the least funded higher education institutions in the state. They receive less than 57 cents for every dollar allocated per full-time equivalent student at public universities in Virginia. Additionally, these colleges rank in the 23rd percentile nationally in terms of spending per full-time student.

Dr. David Doré, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, mentioned the financial difficulties many students face, worsened by inflation. He highlighted the benefits of the FastForward and G3 tuition-assistance programs, which help students afford training for in-demand jobs in Virginia.