‘An affordable education’: Daytona State College averts tuition increase once again

Daytona State College Keeps Tuition Frozen for 14th Consecutive Year

There are some numbers Daytona State College officials must’ve memorized by now.

Like $79.22 and $3,071.40.

That’s because those figures, the per-credit-hour cost for tuition and the full cost of tuition and fees for a student during a typical academic year, have remained frozen for 14 years now. Except for 2015, that year the board actually lowered tuition by 2%.

That stretches to 2011, two years before the movie “Frozen” was released. If tuition were subject to annual inflation increases, it would now be $112.07 per credit hour, or about 40% higher.

Investment in our future

College President Tom LoBasso said the board and administration have long valued higher education affordability.

“Providing our students and the community with an affordable education is an investment in our future,” LoBasso said in a prepared statement. “Having access to life-changing educational opportunities positions our students to further their studies, embark on rewarding careers and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.”

How much are students paying?

For two-year students pursuing associate’s degrees, in addition to tuition, there are also four fees that are charged per credit hour:

• Student financial aid: $3.86
• Student activity fee: $7.72
• Capital improvement fee: $7.72
• Technology fee: $3.86

That’s a total of $102.38 per credit hour. For students taking 30 credit hours in a year, the cost is $3,071.40 for annual tuition and fees.

Tuition and fees for students on other tracks vary. Those seeking baccalaureate (four-year) degrees are looking at $120.32 per hour; vocational certificate seekers, $82.24; and adult education and applied academics programs are at $30.

How does DSC compare?

Daytona State serves about 23,000 students across seven campuses in Volusia and Flagler counties.

The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center shows Daytona State College as having the 55th lowest four-year tuition in the country, $3,106, which is less than half of the national average, $8,406.

Despite DSC’s tuition freeze, 17 Florida state colleges offer even lower four-year tuition, Department of Education figures show. They include Tallahassee Community College at $2,026; Eastern Florida State College in Cocoa at $2,496; Florida State College at Jacksonville at $2,878; and the State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota, at $3,074.

Haskell Indian Nations College in Lawrence, Kansas, offers the lowest four-year tuition nationally, at $480.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

   The article discusses the cost of tuition and fees at Daytona State College, highlighting the affordability of education. This connects to SDG 4, which aims to provide quality education for all. Specifically, the article addresses the issue of affordable education, which is relevant to Target 4.3.

   Indicator: The article mentions the per-credit-hour cost for tuition and the full cost of tuition and fees for a student during a typical academic year. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.3.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.

   The article mentions that affordable education provides students with opportunities to further their studies and embark on rewarding careers. This relates to SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. The article highlights the importance of education in improving the quality of life for individuals and their families.

   Indicator: The article does not explicitly mention indicators related to SDG 8, but the connection between affordable education and improved career prospects can be used as an indicator of progress towards Target 8.6.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news-journalonline.com