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A survey shows that Honolulu Community College students overwhelmingly oppose a proposed tuition increase that would lift a current tuition cap for full-time students, said Troy Baker, student body president. HCC students
oppose hike in tuition,
survey showsBy Suzanne Tswei
Star-BulletinSpeaking at a public meeting yesterday at the University of Hawaii's Manoa campus, Baker said 260 students responded to a survey last week and 98 percent opposed removing the tuition cap.
Community college students now pay only for their first 12 credit hours per semester, about $516, Baker said. The proposal would require them to pay for all credit hours but would otherwise not raise tuition for two years.
The tuition hike would cause financial hardship and prolonged studies for Honolulu Community College students, Baker said. Many students take more than 12 credits a semester to graduate in two years. But to avoid the extra cost, students would keep to no more than 12 credits and end up studying for a third year before graduating, he said.
"That third year means it would cost $1,100 more in tuition," Baker said.
While some students voluntarily take more than 12 credit hours, others are required to take on extra credits because of their chosen areas of study, Baker said.
The carpentry program requires students to take 18 to 19 credits in the first semester, he said.
A few other programs recommend students take more than 12 credits.
"If the tuition cap is removed, it would mean these programs would not get enough students," Baker said. The tuition increase would result in the death of some programs, he said.
Baker said students conducted the survey by handing out questionnaires in various classrooms.
Two other community college students concurred with Baker's statements.
The tuition increase proposal, which overall would raise tuition about 3 percent each year for the next five years, would generate $2 million to $3 million for the university. The money would go toward improving technology services for students, university officials said.
A similar tuition plan died last year after emotional student protests before the Board of Regents. The current proposal is scheduled for the board's consideration some time in March.
Honolulu Community College