Higher tuition could be coming to CSM

Friday, March 27, 2009

ANNAPOLIS — The College of Southern Maryland faces a $2-per-credit tuition increase if the General Assembly adopts the fiscal 2010 budget proposal recommended by a House committee last week.

Delegates recommended a 3.1 percent increase for the state's 16 community colleges, which is higher than Gov. Martin O'Malley proposed in his initial spending plan, but lower than what he pledged last month after details of the federal stimulus package came into focus.

The action came as part of $825 million in cuts that House lawmakers recommended last week as they try to balance a gaping budget shortfall that is largely a result of declining revenue figures.

CSM President Bradley M. Gottfried told Southern Maryland lawmakers that the school will likely have to raise tuition to $99 per credit if the legislative recommendation holds and the county governments that support the college maintain their funding commitment.

O'Malley's initial budget provided no additional funding for community colleges, which would have meant a $5-per-credit tuition increase, Gottfried said.

Passage of the federal stimulus package appeared to give community colleges a reprieve from lifting tuition at a time when enrollment is growing because unemployment is up and more adults are looking to sharpen their skills at affordable institutions close to home.

"In this economy, this is not the time to sit back and wonder if your job is in jeopardy," Gottfried said

Community college leaders said the federal dollars was critical, especially since state aid has been held flat in recent years. The House Appropriations Committee's decision means an increase of $11.6 million for community colleges statewide.

The limited amount of capital funds available for community colleges is perhaps an even bigger concern for a school that is rapidly growing: enrollment has grown more than 10 percent at all three campuses. CSM's biggest need is planning money for a second academic building at its Calvert County campus.

About a dozen community colleges have requested capital funds, but the governor's proposed capital budget only allows for five projects to receive state assistance. In the meantime, CSM is looking to use classrooms at Northern High School for evening classes.

"It's a great time to be at community colleges, but it's a time when budgets are stretched," Gottfried said.

Funding woes aside, lawmakers praised CSM for the success it has achieved since regionalizing in 2000. "It's pretty amazing how, in a very short time, how far this community college has come," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert, St. Mary's).

abrody@somdnews.com