Local News
WSCC, Athens tuition could rise
By Trent MooreTuition at Wallace State in Hanceville and Athens State could be on the rise as soon as this spring, if the state school board approves a new plan to raise the fees.
The state school board is considering a tuition hike of approximately 15 percent at the state’s community and technical colleges to make up for lost revenue.
The board is considering a plan that would raise the cost of a year of community college for the typical student by $420, bringing the annual bill to $3,120. The proposal would raise tuition for each credit hour of classes from $71 to $90.
Under the proposal, tuition would rise to $85 a credit hour in the coming spring semester and to $90 in the fall. It would then automatically increase 2 percent each year starting in 2011.
Athens State University — which offers classes at the Wallace State campus — is requesting a $7 increase per credit hour as part of the proposal.
The 26 two-year colleges in Alabama have lost more than $90 million in state funding in the past two years, mostly due to a prorated state education budget brought on by dwindling state revenue. To continue operating at the current level, Wallace State President Vicki Hawsey said the increase is essential.
“Wallace State is already an under-funded institution,” she said. “Coupled with the proration we have incurred we are at 2004-2005 funding levels by state appropriations.”
The college is currently seeing record enrollment, which Hawsey said is already stretching the college’s limited staff.
“Without this funding, we’re in danger of not having adequate personnel,” she said. “This is the last thing we want to do for our students, but we’re at a point where we have no choice ... Luckily, recent increases in pell grants should be able to cover the increase.”
Across the state, the tuition increases could raise revenue by as much as $38 million overall. Though the influx will help, Hawsey said it will still not make up for state budget cuts that have been incurred the past few years.
“The two-year college system has already taken a $93 million cut,” she said. “This will help us maintain a quality educational environment to serve our students and help us be able to meet our mission.”
The proposal is expected to be on the agenda for the board’s next meeting on October 22.
Two-year college tuition costs have not been adjusted since 2004.
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
- Local News
-
-
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Train vs. car, no one injured
Sean Hart, 32, had driven County Road 917 at least a hundred times to reach his Johnson’s Crossing home, but Thursday afternoon was different.
-
Wrong number leads to drug arrest
If you’re calling someone to set up a drug buy, it’s important to make sure you dial the correct number first.
-
Taste of Cullman event raises $8,000
The annual Taste of Cullman event raised approximately $8,000 for the Cullman County United Way Tuesday night.
-
School H1N1 clinics to start Mon.
Local schools will begin hosting free H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics next week for elementary students.
-
Farm family recognized at annual banquet
Sam and Cynthia Black and family were honored as the 2010 Farm family of the year at the annual Farm-City Banquet Thursday evening at the Cullman Civic Center.
-
Annual Farm-City banquet Thursday at Cullman Civic Center
The Farm-City Banquet will be Thursday at the Cullman Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.
-
Commissioner takes Smith Lake water proposal to town council
County commissioner Wayne Willingham addressed West Point’s town council Monday evening regarding the county’s proposed Smith Lake water project.
-
LePard trial pushed to Dec.
The trial for Derrick LePard, a former Cold Springs teacher accused of extortion and attempting to produce obscene matter of a child, should move forward in early December.
-
County commission not satisfied with city Duck River contract
The Cullman County Commission will not sign onto the city’s Duck River water plan until certain aspects of the project contract are addressed.
- More Local News Headlines
-

