Largest Tuition Increase Ever at Community College of Philadelphia

With a decrease in funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and pending funding cuts from the City of Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia is forced to raise tuition and fees, making it harder than ever for many community college students, especially those with families to care for and jobs outside of school to make their education happen.

The cost of higher education has a direct impact on access. Increased tuition and fees to students should be of great concern to the City of Philadelphia. When the City and the State does not make higher education a priority, a steep increase in unmet financial need occurs among our students.

In the past, according to state statute, community colleges were funded for every student taught. This year, the state is not funding community colleges based on that statute, leaving every community college in Pennsylvania with a funding gap. Community College of Philadelphia is not receiving the funding it should to meet student needs during a time of rapidly increasing enrollment.

During challenging economic times, community college enrollment rises. Community College of Philadelphia has seen a steady increase each semester for several years. Enrollment each fall semester has been increasing consistently at about 9% over the past three years. Annual enrollment is well over 46,000, making Community College of Philadelphia the largest institution of higher learning in Philadelphia.

Graduates of Community College of Philadelphia are some of the most employable residents in the city. A two-year degree or certificate can produce valuable workers in today's most in-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology and the legal profession. 93% of our graduates remain in the Philadelphia region after graduation and command an average salary of $38,904.

Adult students and high school graduates alike are finding community colleges fill a need in today's market. Adult students re-tool for a changing workplace. Recent high school graduates rely on the affordability of community college tuition to help finance their first two years of education and alleviate the burden of student loans.

The College also serves as a "feeder" to the region's colleges and universities. Over 90 articulation agreements with schools such as Drexel and Temple Universities ensure students transfer as juniors.

Lack of access for individuals who represent the future of Philadelphia hinders the pipeline of available employees in Philadelphia. Funding cuts to Community College of Philadelphia will affect the city's most in-demand professions such as nursing and other healthcare areas or information technology for years to come.