70-20 Student Fee Structure

Policy Description

The State Board staff shall calculate at least annually the minimum and maximum total tuition per credit hour (instructional, capital, plant and technology fees) considering the most recent available Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) with adjustments for state funded pay increases, other inflationary cost increases as justified, and other reasons as determined appropriate by the State Board. The State Board staff shall present to the Board for approval the proposed increase for the minimum and maximum total tuition per credit hour by the end of January for the upcoming Academic Year. In the event of state budget reductions to General Fund Appropriations, the State Board staff shall calculate the revised minimum and maximum total tuition per credit hour and present to the State Board as soon as practical. Upon approval by the State Board, the new amount will be published.

An area commission shall set individual college total tuition per credit hour within the established range up to the maximum. An area commission shall be allowed to set different tuition rates within the minimum and maximum range for different courses and/or programs as appropriate for their individual college. An area commission may also adjust total tuition per credit hour in accordance with any General Fund Appropriation reduction. Such adjustments are subject to State Board approval and shall be determined by a ratio of total tuition to General Fund Appropriation. An area commission may request approval from the State Board for an exception to the minimum or maximum total tuition per credit hour when circumstances warrant consideration.

An area commission must ensure appropriate fees are charged to students in non- credit courses.

To satisfy statutory definitions of “Total Tuition,” (the amount charged for registering for credit hours of instruction and technology fees), total tuition per credit hour for the Technical College System will include the single charge to the student that is the sum of the Instructional Fee, Plant Fee and Capital Fee and Technology Fees that are referenced in this policy and the related procedure.

Total Academic Fees include Total Tuition, as defined above, and Other Required Fees. Other Required Fees are fees that are charged to all students above total tuition. These Other Required Fees may not exceed the maximum as established annually by the State Board.

Procedures are to be established to address County Differential Fees, Out-of-State Fees, Other Required Fees, Technology Fees, Plant Fees and Capital Fees and limitations on other fees permitted in addition to the Total Tuition. The procedure is to include any requirements for administration of pro-rata fees for part-time students.