The Clark State Community College Board of Trustees voted to implement a voluntary tuition freeze effective immediately. Freezing tuition for academic credit programs at current rates is one of many cost-saving strategies Clark State has implemented in an effort to make a college degree more attainable.
“The Board of Trustees has shown a tremendous amount of leadership in holding tuition at current levels for the next fiscal year,” said Clark State President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin.
The tuition freeze will allow students to maintain current costs for in-state instructional, general and technology fees. Clark State students enrolled in 30 credit hours per academic year will pay just $4,179.00.
“While community colleges have historically been leaders in affordability, this action is another demonstration of Clark State's commitment to this principle,” said Blondin.
Board Chairperson Peggy Noonan said the finance committee recommended the tuition freeze at Clark State prior to its inclusion in the upcoming State budget. "The Board of Trustees is committed to making Clark State accessible and affordable to anyone who wishes to attend."
Clark State has several tuition cost-saving measures in place including the Tuition Challenge Program. The program, approved by the Board of Trustees this spring, allows students to receive a five to ten percent tuition rebate based on academic performance and number of credit hours.
Clark State has increased available student scholarships and continues to pursue collaborations with four-year universities to create two-plus-two pathways for students to earn an associate degree at Clark State and transfer seamlessly to a four-year university.
“Students will also enjoy a reduction in the overall cost of an associate degree of five to ten percent due to the College reducing the total number of credit hours required for an associate degree,” said Joe Jackson, vice president for business affairs for Clark State. The number of credit hours required to obtain an associate degree will decrease to between 60 and 65.
Jackson said Clark State is implementing these programs with a focus on increasing degree and certificate completion across the higher education spectrum, producing an educated workforce who will remain in Ohio and striving to make higher education more affordable while maintaining high-quality instruction.