Rockland County’s proposed contribution of $16,375,567 to the Rockland Community College (RCC) budget for 2013-2014 does not increase from the 2012-2013 academic year. Even though the college will receive more state aid, it is planning to increase tuition by $75 each semester. RCC faces several financial challenges including a 5.9 percent drop in enrollment and rising employee benefit costs.
County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef delivered his proposed RCC 2013-2014 budget to the county legislature on Wednesday. The recommended spending plan totals $67,566,782, which includes $1.1 million in state aid. This is the second consecutive year RCC received an increase in state aid. Base state aid per each full-time equivalent student is going up from $2,272 by $150 to $2,422.
However, RCC faces rising employee benefit costs of $379,000 attributed mostly to pensions plus an increase in contractual expenses and supplies of $351,000. While those numbers are rising, enrollment is falling by the equivalent of 373 full time students. Even with the change in tuition, the total amount of revenue from tuition is expected to decrease by $790,000.
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Vanderhoef praised RCC for providing an academically superior and affordable education for students.
“In spite of this proposed modest increase in tuition, RCC continues to offer an affordable, quality education that is a tremendous value for our residents, ” said Vanderhoef. “It remains a gem in our County– offering innovative programs, dedicated and experienced faculty, and flexible learning opportunities.”Find out what's happening in New Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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