Beginning in January, tuition will decrease for community college students.
According to Sue Vaughn, director of enrollment at Bakersfield College, “The tuition drop is the enrollment fee of $26 per unit, which will be reduced to $20 per unit. The tuition drop is an addition to the governor’s budget.”
On June 30, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger added and signed into the 2006-2007 budget $1 billion. “The allocation of the $1 billion is for higher education,” said Sabrina Lockhart, deputy press secretary for Schwarzenegger.? According to Joan Wegner, director of financial aid at BC, “The purpose of the Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGFW) is to waive enrollment fees for eligible California residents. Based upon your eligibility, you will be able to register for classes without paying the required fees.”?The drop in fees will be a welcome relief for many students. “This is fantastic. Each drop in fees will allow many students to enter the college system, and will allow accessibility for many who have never considered, or could afford college,” said BC Dean of Students Don Turney.
The economy is good, therefore we are having a cash flow of more money going into California’s general fund, which gives the governor the incentive to drop tuition fees.
“Many of the businesses are staying in California, real estate is booming, and when someone refinances we have a tax rate base that is booming,” Turney said.
There are many students who will face the extra expense of college.?”The drop in tuition is great for our students who are facing the expense of college and the extra cost of the increase of housing and transportation,” said Jack Hernandez, interim vice president of student learning. “Tuition decrease means a student increase.”
The tuition drop will be great for the parents who attend BC.
“We are anticipating great things for our students. Our financial aid rate is high, however it doesn’t cover child care. The drop in tuition will give a savings for the cost of child care,” said Mildred Lovato, vice president of student services at BC.
Ten students on campus were questioned about the tuition drop. The consensus was that not one of the students knew of the tuition drop, however they were all pleased to hear the news.?”This is news to me. I guess I have been more attentive to my classes instead of the world around me. This is good news. I’ll save money. This is a big deal,” said BC student David Suorez.