Keeping higher education affordable allows more Iowans to get the education and skills they need to find good jobs. It creates a positive cycle that helps our state attract even more businesses and jobs — the types that will strengthen Iowa’s middle class and grow our economy.
Regardless of where Iowa students choose to further their education, Senate Democrats are fighting to provide them more affordable opportunities, including at Iowa’s three state universities.
This week, the Senate approved an education budget (SF 493) that invests enough in Iowa State, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa to freeze tuition for a record third straight year. Unfortunately, this tuition freeze may be in jeopardy under the much lower funding being considered by the Republican-controlled Iowa House.
Our state universities have asked for enough additional funding to cover inflation. Governor Branstad and Senate Democrats have included these dollars in our budgets, after promising last fall to continue a tuition freeze. Without this investment, Iowa students at our state universities will likely see higher tuition.
Iowa’s community colleges train a skilled workforce at a time when nearly 34 percent of job openings in Iowa require an education level equal to an associate’s degree or higher. Despite the growing importance of community colleges to both Iowa students and the Iowa economy, state funding has not kept up. Even when accounting for inflation, tuition has increased dramatically in recent years.
According to the Iowa Department of Education's annual report on our community colleges, over the past decade, average tuition rose from $97 per credit to more than $145 per credit. That's an increase of about 4.6 percent per year. Add in fees, and the total cost is even higher. A full-time student enrolled at one of Iowa's 15 community colleges could expect to pay between $4,110 and $5,370 in an academic year.
Tuition and fees currently account for 56 percent of total community college revenues, compared to 46 percent in 2004. State support for community colleges hit a low in 2010 during the recession, but with the state budget in good condition today, a strong investment in education and job training will keep our economy growing and expand Iowa’s middle class.
SF 493, the education budget, will help. It includes an $8 million increase in general aid to our community colleges. We're also providing more than $40 million in on-going worker training funding. These dollars will help keep tuition rates down and provide financial aid so that all Iowans are able to learn, train and grow at our community colleges.
To contact Sen. Allen during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise, he can be reached at 641-521-6297. Email him at chaz.allen@legis.iowa.gov.