Tuition Hikes Hit Fresno City College | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Fresno, CA Students at Fresno City College along with students at every other California community college will soon pay more for classes because of the state budget crisis.

Michael Guerra said, "The fee increase is hurtful however it couldn't have been avoided here."

Starting in the fall student fees will go from $20.00 to $26.00 per unit. While six bucks may not seem like a huge increase students say with every class the money adds up.

"It does make a big difference addng on to everything we have to pay," said Anna Phetsomphou.

Jamelle Banks said, "A lot of people have different financial issues."

Michael Guerra, Vice President of Administrative Services says students who have already paid for the fall semester will receive a bill for the difference in the few weeks. They have until September to pay it.

"A large portion of our students are on financial aid and if they take 12 units they will have to come up with another 72 dollars," said Guerra.

The increase doesn't bother students like Jameil Butler who attends Fresno State but is taking classes at FCC this summer to save money.

Jameil said, "It was like 90 bucks here if I want to take it at state it's like a regular semester."

Students and administrators don't expect to see enrollment suffer because of fee increases as long as city colleges remain much cheaper than state schools.

"It's tough anyway you go but this is the cheaper route," said Jameil.