Piedmont Technical College was one of only two technical colleges in South Carolina not to raise tuition last year, but a series of cuts in state funding totaling over $2 million this year have made an increase necessary for the 2009-10 academic year.

The college will increase tuition by 3.6 percent, or $4.50 per credit hour for the fall, up to a maximum of $54 per term. The increase corresponds to the Higher Education Price Index, which measures the increase in operating costs in higher education. The increase is intended to offset the funding deficits caused by the budget cuts.

While PTC is due a portion of the federal economic stimulus money heading to the state, it won't be enough to offset the loss of state money, which has dropped more than 24 percent over the past year.
PTC President Ray Brooks said that the state funding cuts were likely permanent, and that the forthcoming stimulus money wouldn’t be a long-term solution for recurring expenses such as salaries and other operating expenses because it will only last for two years.

“Raising tuition is always the last thing we want to do,” said Brooks. “But with increasing demand for our services and unprecedented enrollment increases, this is the minimum amount necessary to balance the budget and to allow us to continue offering the community the level of service they expect.”

Historically, enrollment at community colleges has spiked during recessions. People looking to learn new skills or prepare for a career change often turn to them because they're more affordable than four-year colleges and universities.

Across South Carolina’s technical college system, enrollment has risen significantly over the last three terms. Piedmont Tech’s enrollment jumped to 5,046 students for the fall 2008 term. Spring enrollment was up 12 percent, according to Piedmont Tech figures, and summer enrollment was up 14 percent.

The federal economic stimulus package raised the maximum Pell grant for low-income students by $500 for the 2009-10 academic year, which Brooks said should offset the increase for many PTC students. Over 90 percent of PTC students receive some form of financial aid.

PTC’s announcement follows a succession of statewide college and university tuition increases—some as high as 12 percent.