Ivy Tech proposes higher tuition, seeks input

STATEWIDE, Ind. (WLFI) - Students who attend Ivy Tech Community College statewide, could end up paying more in tuition next school year.

A shortfall in Ivy Tech state funding has not matched the college's rapid growth, according to a spokesperson.

Next month, the college will hold a public hearing in Indianapolis regarding a statewide raise in tuition and student fees. Lafayette campus Chancellor David Bathe said the potential increase won't be much.

"That's being discussed at the state level and with the Commission of Higher Education. We would anticipate some form of an increase that would be minimal for our students," said Bathe.

Current Ivy Tech in-state tuition is $104.55 per credit hour. Proposed tuition would raise the rate $3.25 more to $107.80 per credit hour next year, and $6.60 or $111. 15 per credit hour the following year.

Ivy Tech's original funding request to the state was $232 million dollars, but the college was funded only $186 million, according to Jeff Fanter, Ivy tech President of Marketing and Communication. The thought of a tuition increase, no matter how large or small, doesn't come easy to some students.

"I pay out of pocket, so it will be a little more difficult for me to pay. I mean, I don't get loans or grants or any of that," said Sophomore Kayla Rohler, a nursing student.

"Note that this tuition increase is the same recommendation that the Commission for Higher Education made, understanding we were not fully funded," said Fanter in an email.

Rohler said between clinicals, labs and other fees within her nursing major, the costs add up.

"It's still going to be more money. I mean, we also have to think about books," said Rohler.

Ivy Tech said revenue from the increase will be used to hire additional full-time faculty, pay for higher utility costs and pay for costs associated with opening new facilities.

A public hearing regarding the setting of tuition and student fees will take place on Wednesday, June 1 in Indianapolis. The hearing will begin at 3 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium in the North Meridian Center at Ivy Tech’s downtown Indianapolis campus, located at 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.