At the recent board meeting on February 13th, 2025, the Clatsop Community College (CCC) Board of Education voted to approve a tuition increase of $3 per credit, effective Summer Term 2025. In the proposal for tuition increase that CCC President Jarrod Hogue presented to the board, it stated the main reasoning for the increase being to assist the college in keeping pace with rising operational costs while continuing to provide high-quality programs and student support services.
President Hogue emphasized the college’s commitment to maintaining high-quality instruction and support services despite fiscal pressures. “The 2.5% increase aligns with the Consumer Price Index’s current annual inflation rate and is necessary to ensure that we continue to provide meaningful educational opportunities while managing rising operational costs,” President Hogue stated. “While we recognize the impact on students and families, the reality is that we are faced with substantially higher costs for software subscriptions, IT infrastructure, utilities and personnel.”
During the discussion before the vote, Board member Tim Lyman expressed his concern over the rising cost of education. Associated Student Government President Josie Kero, who attends board meetings to represent the student body of the college and offer student perspective on such matters, addressed the board with her thoughts that ultimately supported the increase in tuition. “I think a $3 increase right now is strategically sound,” Josie stated. “From a student point of view, of course, we don’t want to be spending more money in this economy, but I do think overall it feels thought out. I have lots of faith in President Hogue, and I think a $3 increase now is better than a large one later.”
President Hogue affirmed CCC’s commitment to assisting students affected by the tuition adjustment. “The Board was very reluctant to support even a modest 2.5% tuition increase, and I commend them for their caution,” he noted. “However, when compared to universities—especially factoring in the Oregon Promise program—I take comfort in knowing that local students have the opportunity to save tens of thousands of dollars and avoid unnecessary debt by staying close to home and enrolling in their local community college. CCC stands ready to support students through scholarship opportunities, assistance with financial aid applications, and resources provided by our Foundation to address basic needs.”
Even with the increase, Clatsop Community College remains a cost-effective option for higher education and remains less expensive than the majority of the community colleges in Oregon. This adjustment of $3 will also apply to border state tuition rates.
The last tuition adjustment at CCC occurred last year, amid some financial challenges when the college cut several full-time positions to eliminate deficit spending. The current tuition rate per credit of $125 will increase to $128 come July 1, 2025.
For more information on financial assistance options or the tuition increase, students and families are encouraged to contact Clatsop Community College’s Student Services department at 503-338-2411 or finaid@clatsopcc.edu.
