Barton Community College may raise tuition by $1 per credit-hour in the fall and leave accompanying fees at the current rate. The final decision won’t be made until the next Board of Trustees meeting in two weeks, but that was the recommendation at a board study session on Tuesday.

Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said Barton’s tuition rate would still be competitive and the increase is expected to bring in an additional $114,714 if enrollment holds steady.

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said that is the administration’s recommendation, “as long as nothing changes.” The Kansas Legislature discussed the possibility of penalizing universities that raise tuition, and perhaps extending that penalty to community colleges. At this time, it appears that will not happen.

On the other hand, legislators have demonstrated “an appetite for that to come back next year,” he said. So, raising the rate this year would be a protection against that as well as a source for more revenue.

Trustee Dale Maneth commented on the table that compares Barton’s rates to other community colleges. “I love the fact that we’re on the bottom side of that,” he said. “Could we consider a $2 decrease to in-district (students)? We’ve got to be extremely competitive.”

Dean said that would cost about $14,238, based on last year’s enrollment.

Digital communication and content

The study session continued with a look at Barton’s digital communication and content strategy. Students can learn relevant content creation skills for a highly versatile career path. Careers in Barton’s own Communications Department include

• Chief Communications Officer

• PR & Social Media Specialist

• Video Coordinator

• Digital Content Specialist

• Communications Strategist (media buying)

• Web Content Strategist

• Graphic Designer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication occupations will see 109,500 job openings per year from 2023-2033.