KCTCS sets tuition at $98 per credit hour for 2005/06

NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
Date: March 11, 2005

Contact: Terri Giltner, (859) 256-3186, terri.giltner@kctcs.edu
Supporting Materials (Funding charts, operating budget, fee comparisons)

KCTCS sets tuition at $98 per credit hour for 2005/06
Additional state funding allows for 6.5% increase

VERSAILLES, Ky. (March 11, 2005) - The board of regents of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) took action today to set in-state tuition rates (including fees) at $98 per credit hour for the 2005/06 academic year.

The decision for a 6.5 percent increase from the 2004/05 tuition rates was made following the passage of the 2005 state budget which included an additional $45 million in base funding for the state colleges and universities

"We are extremely appreciative of the commitment and acknowledgement of KCTCS from the governor and the General Assembly," said Cynthia L. Read, chair of the board of regents. "With the additional funding provided in the budget, we were able to set an affordable tuition rate that allows us to continue our momentum and offer our students the highest educational value in the Commonwealth."

Student regent Cynthia Osborne, Hazard Community and Technical College, said she was very proud that the board was able to maintain affordable tuition rates. "This increase allows us to maintain the quality education and programming that is expected of KCTCS with minimal financial burden to our students" Osborne said. Leading up to the board meeting, KCTCS held 16 hearings across the state to receive comments from students, faculty, and staff about potential tuition increases. In other action during its regular quarterly meeting, the board of regents approved:

Compensation for KCTCS faculty and staff for 2005-06.
A revised mission statement for Lexington Community College to reflect their transition to KCTCS.
New associate in applied science degree programs in Criminal Justice and in Horticulture at Jefferson Community College.
A new associate in applied science degree program in Office Systems Technology at Gateway Community and Technical College.
New certificate programs to be offered by the following colleges: Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Central Kentucky Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Henderson Community College, Hopkinsville Community College, and Jefferson Community College.
1,827 candidates for graduation who applied for academic credentials (certificates, diplomas or associate degrees) between October 19, 2004, and January 24, 2005

The board of regents' next meeting is scheduled for June 9-10, 2005, at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah.

Supporting Materials (Funding charts, operating budget, fee comparisons)

KCTCS is changing the lives of Kentuckians by providing affordable and accessible postsecondary education at 16 community and technical colleges on 65 campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.