Tuition Increases Across the Country

     Cypress College (CC) is not the only junior college or university seeing an increase in tuition. All across the country students are raising their eyebrows as they see how much they are paying for a semester.

      The increase is due to a new state budget the California State Legislature and the governor approved.

     Let us take a look at the price difference for CC students. The average full-time student paid $240 last year for a 12 unit semester. This semester, 12 units will cost $312. Sophomore, Kathryn Krantz says, "It's really not the end of the world, I am only paying an extra $70 a semester. Compared to other states, we have it really good." For example, Normandale Community College students in St. Paul, MN, pay $150 per unit. Also, if you are not a resident in the state of California you will pay $190 a unit at CC.

     Some students at Cypress are struggling with the increase. "The current economy status isn't our faults but it seems like we're the ones paying for it. Although, I'm glad our tuition doesn't cost as much as others, the increase has still made it harder for me." says 19-year-old Katie. Ricky, 19, deals with the increase by applying for financial aid to help with his educational costs.

     Applying for financial aid can help ease the financial burden of going to school as well as many other government programs that are available. For more information on these programs see your counselor or speak to someone in the financial aid department.