No Tuition Increase Proposed For Westchester Community College

WHITE PLAINS, NY — For the fifth consecutive year, there will be no tuition increase for nearly 13,000 students at Westchester Community College under a proposed budget that was submitted by County Executive Robert P. Astorino to the Board of Legislators Friday. 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.

“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. “WCC 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 WCC’s students.”

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, a spokesman said.

Additionally, WCC’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.

Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College said they proposed a budget that prioritizes an affordable and high quality education for the students and their families.

“No tuition increases for five years is notable within New York State and a testament to our collaborative partnership with Westchester County leadership,” she said.

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

Photo caption: Dr. Belinda S. Miles and County Executive Robert P. Astorino. Photo credit: Submitted.