No tuition increase at PRCC for 2011-12

POPLARVILLE – The Board of Trustees today approved a $32.4 million budget that does not raise tuition for students at Pearl River Community College.Full-time, in-state students at PRCC will continue to pay $1,000 per semester in tuition.That a tremendous stimulus and shows our commitment to students who are getting a good education at Pearl River Community College, said board chairman Tony Waits of Prentiss. We realize it tough economic times.PRCC raised tuition in 2010 and 2008.Weve been very fortunate that our strong enrollment growth has allowed us to be able to maintain our tuition for the coming year, said Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president. We hope students continue to recognize the high-quality, low-cost education offered at Pearl River Community College.Fall semester enrollment in 2010 set a record of 5,469, a 5.5 percent increase over fall 2009. Spring enrollment, historically less than fall, topped out at 4,908 in 2011, a 2.5 percent increase over the previous spring.Although tuition will not increase, students who live in campus residence halls will face a $100 per semester increase in room and board. Cost of living in a suite-style residence hall will be $2,050 per semester while a regular double room will be $1,850 per semester.The increase is due to rising food and supply costs, said Roger Knight, dean of business services.The FY 2012 budget also eliminates an additional fee for full-time students who also took night, weekend or on-line courses.It going to cost us about $500,000 to do away with it, but Im comfortable it will work, Knight said.The budget, which goes into effect on July 1, includes 2 percent raises for faculty and staff, he said.We were able to do some positive things this year, he said. We grew a little over $1.1 million going into 2012. That a good healthy growth, a reasonable growth.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.