Tuition remains steady for 2017

No tuition increase under Westchester Community College budget for 5^th Straight Year

County Contribution and Capital Spending to Increase for 2017-2018 School Year

For the fifth consecutive year, tuition for nearly 13,000 students at Westchester Community College will not increase under a proposed budget that was submitted by County Executive Robert P. Astorino to the Board of Legislators on Friday, July 17.

“Working closely with the college’s leadership, we are able to propose a budget that keeps tuition flat for the fifth year in a row,” Astorino said. “The college is where so many students go for a quality and affordable education so that they can make a better life for themselves and their families. We must find ways to keep public education affordable and a tuition increase would hurt far too many of Westchester Community College’s students.”

The $122 million operating budget for the 2017-2018 school year includes a $29.9 million sponsor contribution from the county, an increase of $67,000 over last year and $500,000 from the year before.

“We propose a budget that prioritizes an affordable and high quality education for Westchester Community College’s students and families,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “No tuition increases for five years is notable within New York State and a testament to our collaborative partnership with Westchester County leadership.”

Westchester Community College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college’s budget amid its deliberations about national trends in college affordability and financial challenges facing students.

Additionally, Westchester Community College’s capital budget includes $2.16 million for four projects, which include technology upgrades at several locations on-and-off-campus along with site improvements throughout campus and a proposal to assess planning and infrastructure needs going forward.

The Board of Legislators is scheduled to vote on the budget on August 7. The college’s fiscal year begins on September 1.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.