During the last legislative session, the State Board of Higher Education passed a bill freezing tuition at two-year colleges. For NDSCS administration, the decision was a great way to invest in students and the state's future.
"We're very appreciative for it," said Harvey Link, vice president for academic and student affairs.
|
Advertisement |
"So it's taken a very small increase," she said.
But students will notice a slight bump in other fees such as room and board. Additional fees tacked on to specialty programs in the technical and medical fields won’t be reduced, either, and can cost students anywhere from $300 to $4,600.
Some of these extra costs lend to the college's slightly higher expense compared to other two-year institutions. In the 2007-08 year, the statewide average cost of tuition and fees was $3,623, while NDSCS offered $4,114.
But Link said the nature of the school's programming ups the cost. The substantial number of technical programs offered combined with the additional fees forces the figure to rise. Some of the programs also require very specific teacher-to-student ratios, where only 6 or 8 students can be in a class.
"You can't squeeze 400 students into a diesel tech shop and teach it all in one shop," joked Link.
Students aren't complaining. A satisfaction survey passed out at the end of the year reveals high marks for the college.
"The students have indicated that one of our strengths is the affordable cost for a quality education," he said, adding that administration is always concerned about appropriate pricing for their students.
In the world after college, students are reporting their education has paid off. NDSCS boasts of a 95 to 97 percent placement rate throughout the state, and 86 percent of alumni land in the Upper Midwest. More than half of the student body stays employed or continues their education in North Dakota.
Link said he's quite pleased about the tuition freeze.
"It was a general recognition that investing in our students and their future is worthwhile, and having an educated workforce is critical," he said.
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Daily News is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in wahpetondailynews.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the The Daily News. The Daily News does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized The Daily News spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!