Copyright© 2000 by School Services of California, Inc.

October 27, 2000

By the Way . . .

Community Colleges Best Value for the Buck. Nationally, the cost of a college degree continues to rise faster than inflation, with tuition and fees up an average of 4.4% at public four-year colleges and even more at private schools, according to a survey conducted by the College Board. The survey also found that loans provide a growing share of the extra money students need to pay for college degrees.

Nationally, average in-state tuition and fees at public four-year schools this fall are $3,510 per year or $148 more than last year, according to the survey. On-campus room and board now averages $4,960, up 5.1%. The survey showed that California has bucked the trend. Annual fees at UC and CSU campuses were cut 10% in recent years and are holding steady at $3,964 and $1,428, respectively.

Only the nation's public two-year schools, chiefly community colleges, stayed below the current inflation rate, but barely. Average tuition rose this year to $1,705, up 3.4%, the survey found. California community college fees are the lowest of any community college system in the country. Student enrollment fees have remained steady this year at $11 per unit. That would equate to about $330 per year-a great deal for our students.