June 11, 2019 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College trustees unanimously approved a $112.3 million budget for the 2019-2020 academic year, a spending plan that includes keeping tuition increases to less than 1% for the second consecutive year to keep college as affordable as possible.
Board of trustees Chairman David J. Koetje said the budget reflects the college’s commitment to serving West Michigan, making sure students of all ages have opportunities to gain a solid education and improve their lives.
“This budget reflects an approach that is fiscally responsible and sustainable,” Koetje said. “This is an investment in the people of West Michigan, whether they are seeking credits for associate degrees or to transfer to four-year universities, or seeking to refresh or gain new career skills.”
The budget also continues investments in programs aimed at helping students and serving the greater community, such as Early/Middle College and innovative partnerships with employers for career programs.
GRCC is committed to a culture of safety, and the budget also includes expanding Campus Police coverage hours and additional security measures.
“We provide the opportunity for people to transform their lives,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “That can be the student graduating from high school – or the student still in high school earning college credits. It can be an older student who wants to gain the degree or skills to get to the next level. It can be the employer reaching out to build training programs to create new jobs. This budget keeps all of those opportunities in reach for the community we serve.”
Tuition and fees account for about 52% of the college’s revenue. In March, trustees unanimously approved a 0.88% tuition increase for the 2019-2020 academic year, the second consecutive year of a historically low increase. The budget is based on an in-district tuition rate of $115 per credit hour, a $1 increase from the 2018-2019 rate. Including universal fees, the total cost for a full-time student will be $3,909 for the year.
Under the new budget, full-time students eligible for a full Pell grant award will have more than $2,000 available to cover textbooks and other expenses that might otherwise be an obstacle to attending.
The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation continues to work with partners to help with college expenses. Last year, the foundation awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships.
Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.