New Hampshire’s Community College system asked lawmakers for an increase in state funding at a budget hearing in Concord today. College officials say the increase is needed to avoid a hike in tuition.
Officials with the state Community College system are asking for about 49 million dollars for next fiscal year and 52.5 million for the year after. That’s up from their current annual budget of 44 million dollars.
Community College System Chancellor, Ross Gittell says the increase would allow the schools to freeze tuition for students next year and lower it the following year.
Tuition at New Hampshire’s community colleges and public 4-year universities is currently among the most expensive in the country.
New Hampshire spends less per-capita on public higher education than any other state.