WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

spent in class and studying takes away from hours during which they could be earning a larger
paycheck.
Tuition and fees may appear to be an obvious source of funding increases; those rates are
established each year based on an analysis of regional rates, College need, and the estimated
ability of students to pay. However, an analysis of student use of available financial aid was
compiled in the summer of 2009 by the Financial Aid Director, finding that over 60% of WNCC
students must take advantage of financial aid (Pell grants, loans, scholarships, etc).
WNCC provides tuition waivers for some students, some athletic and some academic awards, and
the Board of Governors has a program for high-achieving students. However, the institutional
support is in nearly all cases limited to tuition waivers or a mixture of tuition and living. Very few
“full rides” are granted, meaning that even supported students incur additional expenses.
Although being urged at times to increase tuition and fees to make up for funding needs, WNCC
deliberately tries to keep direct student costs comparable to other area and state institutions, as it
also tries to balance the need for funds against accessibility barriers for students with limited
means, many of whom still have to buy textbooks, arrange for child care, and feed their families.
Charges to students have increased over time, in response to increased operational costs, as
demonstrated below. Please note that the high-school rate is calculated at one-half of the in-state
tuition. The following chart shows the cost structure per credit hour adopted for the last five years:
Table 6-19 Per Credit Hour Charges to Students 2004-2009
Fees: 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009
Activity Fee 2.50 2.50 3.00 3.00 3.00
Facility Use Fee
Technology Fee
Scholarship Fee
Total
2.00 2.00 3.00 5.50 5.50
3.50 3.50 3.50 2.00 2.00
0.00 2.00 2.50 2.50 2.50
8.00 10.00 12.00 13.00 13.00
Tuition:
Resident 51.00 52.00 54.00 61.00 66.00
Non-resident
High School
60.00 62.00 65.00 73.00 78.00
33.00
Western Nebraska Community College Page 79