State budget: Trigger cuts hit community colleges

<p>Very interesting, because California just cut $108 million in CCs and $100 million for UCs and CSUs (each).
<a href=“http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-california-budget-cuts-20111214,0,184027.story[/url]”>http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-california-budget-cuts-20111214,0,184027.story&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The problem isn’t just tuition hikes – it’s cutbacks in programs, courses, and services. At our local California CC, for some general ed classes, the waiting list is larger than the enrollment roster.</p>

<p>$150 per credit plus lots of other fees is normal in New England CCs. Out of state costs are more than double that. It is still a bargain though. Those families that don’t make that much can get most or all of their costs back via federal tax credit. Even CA doubling tuition should still keep CC there free after tax credits.</p>

<p>The upper South system I teach in charges $135 per credit. I’ve been teaching for 23 years and our tuition has never been as low as the California rates during that time. $46 seems like a bargain from my perspective, particularly when many students will qualify for financial aid and, as mentioned above, the federal tax credit.</p>

<p>Our city community colleges charge $100 per credit hour. Don’t participate in Stafford loan program. Makes it difficult for student trying to continue their education but don’t have family support to attend a four yr school which does allow loans.</p>