DOWAGIAC — Following a public hearing of five citizens at the regular monthly meeting Feb. 26 on the Dowagiac campus, Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees adopted the tuition and fee schedule for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Tuition will increase $3 per hour for in-district students and $4 for in-state, with a fee increase of 50 cents for an overall adjustment of 2.4 percent in-district and 2.5 percent for in-state students.

Gov. Rick Snyder continues to advocate no increase in state funding, which keeps community college state aid levels barely above 15 years ago, while Headlee rollbacks limit local millage, said SMC officials.

The board addresses tuition at this time of year to provide certainty to students who begin signing up for fall classes March 19.

“The Board of Trustees remains committed to providing quality education while being good financial stewards,” said Chairman Thomas F. Jerdon. “So, while we do propose a modest tuition increase, we are keeping it as low as possible for students and families.

“SMC’s continued frugal budgeting will enable the college to remain an outstanding educational value. The adjustment approved this evening ensures SMC remains affordable, with the resources to maintain the very highest quality academic programs, support services and technology.”

Southwestern Michigan College is a public, residential and commuter, community college, founded in 1964. The college averages in the top 10 percent nationally for student academic success based upon the National Community College Benchmark Project. Southwestern Michigan College strives to be the college of first choice, to provide the programs and services to meet the needs of students, and to serve our community. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.