When it comes to tuition and fees, Barton Community College rates are generally in the mid-range among Kansas community colleges. A recommended increase in tuition and fees this fall probably won’t change that, Vice President of Administration Mark Dean told Barton trustees.
Tuition rates were reviewed at the board study session on Tuesday. Dean showed the board two options for increased fees and tuition, explaining how much additional revenue each option could be expected to generate. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said he recommends Option One, a smaller increase overall.
The board will vote on any changes at the next business meeting, on March 23.
Option One does not increase tuition for students who live in Barton County or elsewhere in Kansas. Online tuition also stays the same. However, tuition for out-of-state and international students would increase by $3 per credit hour, as would tuition for military courses (LSEC, BSFP and TROOP) Barton offers at Fort Riley, Leavenworth and Grandview Plaza. College programs at Fort Riley, Leavenworth and Grandview Plaza would increase by $5. This is expected to raise $74,343.
Fees would increase for all students except those in the military courses. For most students, including local and in-state, the increase would be $2 per credit hour. Barton Online fees would increase by $5. This is expected to raise revenue by $294,843.
To sum up, the increases could raise revenue by $369,186. The tuition and fees per credit hour for each category would be:
• In-county, $113
• Out-of-county, $120
• Out-of-state, $147
• International, $210
• Online, $155
This does not include special course fees. These typically pay for items such as certification tests, specialized insurance, subscriptions to services, and consumable items, as well as items the students will take with them such as uniforms, lab kits and tools. Those fees can be charged three times a year – once each semester and in the summer. Barton trustees also approve these fees.
Looking at what all 19 Kansas Community Colleges charge in each of these categories, Dean said Barton would stay in the middle “or a little bit lower” after the increases. However, that is based on current rates and he said he expects all of the community colleges will increase tuition and fees.
“We haven’t made an adjustment to tuition rates for two years,” Dean said.
During the study session, the board looked at its meeting schedule for the next year, which is expected to follow the current format. With a few exceptions, study sessions are at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and business meetings are a 4 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays. There is one combined meeting in December because of the winter break.
In other business, the board heard a presentation from Vice President of Student Services Angie Maddy concerning the EAB Partnership that the board joined in January to enhance “enrollment management.” This company looks at what happens when someone inquires about Barton, looks at an enrollment application and starts the enrollment process. It analyzes the results, and that can help the college find bottlenecks in the system or things that hinder recruitment or retention of students.
“They do have an enormous library of research,” Maddy said. As they explore best practices at other colleges, “we can take a look at what really makes sense for Barton.”
This partnership is still new to the college and duplicates some services Barton already received from Amperage Marketing, Maddy said. However, after both companies do an enrollment audit, Barton will have an opportunity to compare finding.
Dr. Heilman agreed that this is new to the college and it can be renewed for another year if it has value.
The trustees have been touring facilities on campus at the end of recent study sessions. This week, the meeting wrapped up with a tour of the Library.
