BCCC Freezes Tuition For Next Year

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — With many area residents struggling financially amidst the coronavirus shutdown, Bucks County Community College is freezing tuition for next academic year.

The college's board of trustees voted last week to keep tuition at $165 per credit for Bucks County residents in the 2020-21 academic year. Meanwhile, remote operations are continuing through the end of this semester, with a virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for May 28.

"Amid these uncertain times, Bucks County Community College is committed to providing accessible, affordable opportunities that allow our students to thrive," said college President Stephanie Shanblatt. "We hope that keeping tuition stable will be one small way of easing the burden many have undergone recently."

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The board's unanimous vote to hold the line on tuition happened Thursday during its monthly meeting, which was held remotely and streamed on BCCC's YouTube channel.

"The trustees agreed that by not raising tuition next year, we could continue our unwavering support for our community," said Chairwoman Elizabeth Fineberg. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to keep higher education affordable for our current and future students, despite the challenges we have faced this spring."

For the 2020-21 academic year, tuition will be $165 a credit for Bucks County residents, $330 a credit for Pennsylvanians who live outside of Bucks and $495 a credit for out-of-state residents. Fees also remain unchanged. A typical returning student – a Bucks County resident taking a full-time course load of 12 credits a semester – will pay about $4,898 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year.

Bucks County Community College has been operating remotely since March 16 in keeping with state orders to close non-essential businesses. On April 8, the school announced that remote operations would continue through the end of spring semester.

Details about the May 28 commencement are expected to be announced later.

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