CSM Raises Tuition, Cites Increase in Expenses

New Rates Mirror Nationwide Trend

Tuition at the College of Southern Maryland will rise 4 percent for Maryland residents this fall, while out-of-state students will pay nearly 6 percent more.

Students from the three Southern Maryland counties will pay $98 per credit beginning next semester, a $4 increase, while those from other counties in the state will be charged $171 per credit, up from $164. Out-of-state residents will pay $221 per credit, a $12 increase. Student fees, which cover student activities and some maintenance projects, will rise to 23 percent of tuition.

In announcing the new rates, college President Bradley Gottfried warned that additional increases might be necessary later this year.

The increased costs at the College of Southern Maryland are part of a nationwide trend of rising tuition at community colleges and four-year institutions. This year, the average cost for tuition and fees at U.S. community colleges hit $2,361, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. This compares with an average of $1,808 for full-time CSM students from Southern Maryland.

CSM officials said that they were reluctant to raise prices but that they saw no other way of dealing with rising costs and other expenses.

"The college has presented a budget that balances the higher costs we anticipate with regard to utility and insurance increases and continues the progress we are making," Gottfried said in a statement released last week. "We will work to insure that no student is denied an education because of these tuition increases."

About 22,800 students, including those in degree programs as well as those studying part time, are enrolled at the college's four locations in Southern Maryland. It is funded by the state and three local governments, which make annual budget decisions about how much the school will receive.

This year, the college requested significant increases from the state legislature and the three counties. Only St. Mary's County fully funded its request.

St. Mary's will increase its funding by 7 percent over last year, Calvert will go up by 5 percent, and Charles is allocating 3.5 percent more. The state is expected to contribute about 8.6 percent more to the college, or about $400,000 less than requested. Overall, the college expects to secure $50.37 million in funding this year.