Suffolk County Community College proposes 3% tuition increase

According to college officials, Suffolk County Community College is suggesting an increase of 3.1% in tuition fees for the academic year of 2023-24. This proposal aims to cover inflation-related increments in operational expenses, after the tuition was held steady for the last four years.

On Wednesday, SCCC's financial affairs VP, Mark Harris, is scheduled to discuss the college's budget of $210.77 million with Suffolk County Legislature's Education and Labor Committee.

According to Harris, the anticipated increase in tuition fees for full-time students is $170, resulting in a total cost of $5,640 for the following year. Similarly, the cost of a single credit will also go up by $7, reaching $235.

According to Harris, the college is also requesting a yearly addition of $1.1 million in county funding, which would result in a total of $50 million in county funding.

During a board of trustees meeting on April 20th, Harris stated that it is imperative to boost revenue in all areas as a tough fact. The budget was ultimately adopted with a unanimous vote of 7-0. While tuition has remained unchanged for four years, inflation has driven the college to consider raising tuition and fees gradually.

The tuition fee for Nassau Community College for full-time students who belong to Nassau County was $5,800 in the academic year 2022-23. Meanwhile, state-run four-year institutions, including those located on Long Island, charged $7,070 for in-state tuition.

According to a 2022 report from the College Board, the average annual tuition cost for two-year public schools, including SCCC, which are based in the district, is $3,860.

The funding request made by the college is anticipated to be backed by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's spokesperson, Marykate Guilfoyle.

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a decrease in attendance at SCCC by approximately 25% since 2011. Additionally, the tuition has increased by about 41% from $3,990 in 2011 during this time.

As per the information on its website, SCCC has 21,000 students enrolled in its three campuses. The college is anticipating a growth of 2% in the number of students enrolled in the upcoming fall semester.

As part of the proposed budget, it is suggested that $12.9 million from reserve funds be utilized in 2023-24. The projected rise in employee benefits is expected to be almost 8%, a total of $2.3 million.

Legislator James Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who heads the Education and Labor Committee, disclosed his intention to inquire from college authorities about their utilization of reserve funds to balance the budget and how they plan on coping if there is no growth in enrollment.

Mazzarella expressed worry that without an increase in enrollment, the situation will deteriorate further and the deficit will worsen.

Drew Biondo, the representative of SCCC, stated that they have established a lofty standard for the increase in enrollment and will make every effort to reach it, all the while ensuring that students receive a top-notch education at the most affordable price imaginable.

Approximately half of the 55% of SCCC's budget that is generated from student revenue is made up of federal Pell Grants and state assistance.

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