Current Tuition Rates
Tuition and Fees Required by Statute
Tuition rates for community colleges are controlled by the Legislature either through statute or the biennial operating budget. Technical colleges have the authority to set tuition individually, although growth rates generally follow those for the community colleges.
Operating fee: This largest component of tuition (80 percent) is retained locally at the college to support the general operations of the college. On average, the revenue from the operating fee represents about 20 percent of colleges’ general operating budget. The state appropriation covers the other 80 percent.
Building fee: The building fee (10 percent of the tuition charge) is collected by the college and sent to the state treasurer. The funds are appropriated by the Legislature for capital improvements in the college system.
Services and Activities (S&A): The S&A fee (10 percent of the tuition charge) is retained locally by the colleges, and dedicated to the support of student programs and activities such as athletics, clubs, childcare and other activities identified by students at a college. Colleges may set their S&A fee below the maximum authorized. A few of the colleges exercise this option.
In addition to basic tuition, there are other fees charged to students by the colleges. These fees take the form of lab fees, technology fees and other miscellaneous fees.
Additionally, students meeting specific statutory criteria may pay reduced fees. Examples include Vietnam and Persian Gulf veterans. Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language are offered at a reduced fee of $25 per quarter. Colleges may waive the $25 charge for students who are unable to pay.
In 2006-07, the average tuition and fee charge at community colleges nationwide was $2,642 compared to $2,586 charged in Washington.
Tuition and Fees for Full-Time Students
Academic Years 2005-06 Through 2006-07*
| |
2006-07 |
2007-08 |
| Quarterly Tuition & Fees |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
| Quarterly Tuition |
|
|
| Building Fee |
$84.50 |
$214.25 |
$87.50 |
$217.25 |
| Operating Fee |
$691.00 |
$2,297.25 |
$715.00 |
$2,321.25 |
| Services & Activities Fee |
$86.50 |
$86.50 |
$89.50 |
$89.50 |
| |
| Quarterly Total |
$862.00 |
$2,598.00 |
$892.00 |
$2,628.00 |
| Annual Total ** |
$2,586.00 |
$7,794.00 |
$2,676.00 |
$7,884.00 |
* Tuition rates will vary for each college depending on their local Services and Activities Fees. The rates shown above reflect the maximum amount a college may charge for these fees.
** Annual total equals three quarters.
Source: Higher Education Coordinating Board.
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