NWCC announces 2014-15 tuition increase

Northwest Mississippi Community College has announced a tuition increase for the 2014-15 academic year, citing costs associated with maintaining new facilities and providing the programs those facilities will offer.

Under the plan approved by the Senatobia-based school’s Board of Trustees at an April 10 meeting, full-time in-state students will see an increase of $150 per semester in tuition, to $1,275. Part-time in-state students will pay an additional $15 per semester hour as the cost increases to $110 per semester hour.

Out-of-state full-time students will pay an additional $100 in nonresident tuition fees in addition to the new base tuition of $1,275. Parttime students from out of state will pay an additional $20 per semester hour.

Dr. Gary Lee Spears, NWCC’s president, pointed to new facilities as the prime reason for the hike.

“The college is trying to meet the changing needs of our district,” Spears said. “These much-needed efforts come with a cost, and we have done everything possible to keep that cost at a minimum for our students.” Specifically, Spears cited:

A new Allied Health facility and a LPN to RN bridge program to make it easier for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. Spears said the program “will help curb the shortage of health care workers in North Mississippi.”

A new Mechanical Technology facility scheduled to go into use this year.

A new on-demand, online curriculum to allow students to access classes on their own schedule.

Spears said the tuition increase would not pay for construction of any new facilities but would cover the cost of operating new programs, including increases in utility costs, personnel, equipment, maintenance and supplies.

In addition to the main Senatobia campus, NWCC has satellite campuses in Southaven, where it shares facilities with the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center, and in Olive Branch, Ashland and Oxford.