Snead State Impacted by Tuition Increase

Snead State is one of 22 community colleges affected by the tuition increase approved by the State Board of Education on Thursday, June 9

The State Board of Education voted to increase tuition by about 16 percent, which is expected to raise more than $30 million in additional revenue at a time when state funding has been cut but enrollment has remained steady or increased.
Statewide, tuition will go up from current rate of $92 per credit hour to $107 per credit hour starting this fall.
“It’s never an easy decision to increase tuition, but with the decrease in state appropriations over the last few years, it was imperative that more revenue be generated so the services available to students through Snead and the other community colleges could continue. Since 2008, Snead State has had a 25 percent reduction in state appropriations.
“At other colleges where I have worked, local revenue support was available that we just don’t have here. We have no local tax support to offset any appropriation reductions. We have no local tax support for building upgrades and maintenance. We have no local tax support for necessary equipment,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley.
The Alabama Community College System reported a loss in appropriations of $100 million because of proration. Funding is off more than $124 million since 2008.
Even with the tuition increase, community colleges continue to be the most affordable option for students seeking a quality education. Tuition at four-year colleges can range from $300 or more per credit hour for student.

Snead State also strives to provide students with access to any financial aid support that is available – from scholarships to grants – so the effect of the tuition increase is minimized for students. Students with questions about available financial aid can contact the Financial Aid Office at 256.840.4210 or financialaid@snead.edu.
The system has 22 community colleges and four technical schools statewide with about 125,000 students enrolled in courses for credit. Snead State’s enrollment averages about 2,400 students.