N.J. Community College Tuition Increases 4.4 Percent

TRENTON, N.J.—Statewide average tuition at New Jersey's community colleges will increase by 4.4 percent for the fall 2010 semester, according to a survey released today by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.

According to the Council's survey of New Jersey's 19 community colleges, the statewide average tuition increase is $4.30 per credit hour compared to fall 2009 tuition rates, or $129 per year for a full-time student. The total average tuition cost for a full-time New Jersey community college student will be $3,034 for the year.

"New Jersey's community colleges are weathering the storm of diminished public funding and increased demand for our services," said NJCCC Chairman Ronald Winthers. "Our community colleges are doing their best in holding the line on tuition increases for students who are coming to us in record numbers."

Last fall, community colleges experienced a record 12 percent increase in full-time student enrollment, with 96,860 attending college-level courses full-time. Over 80,300 students enrolled part-time last fall. In total, 177,173 credit students enrolled at community colleges last fall.

Along with fall credit enrollments, New Jersey's community colleges enroll over 50,000 additional new students in the spring and summer semesters and over 120,000 students in noncredit courses in professional and personal skills development each year. Community colleges also work with over 500 businesses each year to provide customized training programs to nearly 58,000 members of New Jersey's workforce. In total, community colleges serve over 400,000 students each year.

"We anticipate that several of our community colleges will see dramatic enrollment increases again this fall," said NJCCC President Dr. Lawrence Nespoli added. "It is good news that so many are turning to community colleges, but at the same time, we have to find ways to accommodate these students with reduced public funding."

When New Jersey's community colleges were founded in the 1960s, the legislation called for them to be funded from three equal sources: the State, the local counties and student tuition. This year, the state's share of funding is projected to be 18 percent, with county funding to community colleges covering 24 percent. Tuition and fees will cover 58 percent of operational costs.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is the state association representing New Jersey’s 19 community colleges. As an independent, trustee-headed organization that joins the leadership of trustees and presidents, the Council is the voice of the community college sector before the state legislature and other branches of government.

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N.J. Community College Tuition Increases 4.4 Percent

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