Community College Tuition Climbed 6 Percent in 2011

The most affordable option for higher education in Iowa continues to grow more expensive.

Though Des Moines Area Community College or DMACC's tuition and fees fall considerably below state averages - about 25 percent less, students Jessica Snyder, Ames, and Sipele Knowles, Huxley, said they've noticed the financial aid money left after tuition is paid and books are purchased isn't as much as it used to be.

“There's less financial aid coming back to you,” Knowles said.

Snyder added, “We might as well be going to a university.”

Tuition and fees continue to climb at Iowa’ s community colleges, according to a new report from the Iowa Department of Education. On average Iowa’s 15 community college systems raised tuition 5.95 percent. Students are paying $3,948 in tuition and $339 in mandatory fees on average this school year, according to the Iowa Community Colleges Tuition and Fees Report, released on Thursday.

DMACC, the largest system in the state with 11 campuses and education centers, raised tuition to $3,144 (based on 12 credit hours), which was an increase of $144 or 4.8 percent. DMACC does not have set mandatory fees.

Todd Jones, director of marketing and public relations, said the school increases tuition reluctantly and looks for other solutions, such as energy conservation efforts, to cut costs and spare students the burden. The school has pledged not to raise tuition more than 4 percent if the state continues with the current level of support, Jones said.

"We think we are a great option for students of all ages who want to advance their education and expand their career options. We are very affordable, the most affordable institution of higher education in Central Iowa," Jones said.

Jason Day, 37, said grants and loans fully fund his tuition so he isn't so concerned about costs. He said the tuition for his classes at the DMACC Hunziker Center in Ames were less than what he paid at the urban Des Moines DMACC campus. Day is currently studying environmental sociology and hopes to eventually transfer to Iowa State University, where instate tuition and fees are a little more than $3,700 each semester.

Costs for attending Kirkwood Community College, in Eastern Iowa, is also about 25 percent less than average, but no doubt for some the rising cost is challenging their pursuit of a college diploma.

Kirkwood, with campuses in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and just endorsed by voters for a $47 million bond to support expansion, offers full-time tuition for $3,072 this year, which was a $240 or 8.5 percent increase. The college also does not list its mandatory fees, but said the price of books average $400 a semester.

Kristie Fisher, Kirkwood vice president for enrollment, said the spike was necessary after holding back the past couple years as enrollment shot up 17 percent in 2010. 

“It’s a continuation of a troubling trend. The cost of a community college education has gone up steadily for over a decade. When the biggest part of our mission is access and the biggest part of access is being affordable, it strikes at the heart of what we are," Fisher said.

According to the education department report, Iowa’s community college tuition and fees were 60 percent above the national average in fiscal year 2009, although Iowa is near the middle among states in the region.

Part of the problem is state support is sliding and now accounts for less than 30 percent of Iowa community college revenue, according to the education department report. So, colleges turn to students through tuition to shoulder the shortfall.

Community colleges are about a third cheaper than four-year state schools, which cost between $7,350 and $7,765 this year with mandatory fees. And, many students start their college careers in two-year schools, saving some money, and then transfer to complete their degree.

That could explain the recent explosion in enrollment at community colleges --- 88,104 in 2008 to 106,597 in 2010 statewide, according to a separate education department enrollment report.

"It is still the best value in higher education. It’s affordable. That doesn’t mean it is as affordable as it was five years ago, but students have to look at the rest of the higher education market ... and realize we are still one heck of a deal," Fisher said.