Governor Wolf outlined his proposed budget for 2017-18 last week, and while it touts an increase to overall education spending, Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges and four state-related universities are not set to receive any additional funding.
In a statement from the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, concerns were raised over the potential impact of Governor Wolf’s proposed budget, that will keep community colleges funded below 2008-09 levels.
To help alleviate the growing pressure and concerns, the PACC requested a $28 million increase in the operating appropriation as well as a $2 million increase in their capital appropriation, that would help the 14 community colleges in the state to recover from years of static funding increases.
“We recognize the fiscal realities of this budget, but level funding from the Commonwealth will further stretch the colleges’ resources and our ability to serve our students,” wrote Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, president of Bucks County Community College, in a statement earlier last week.
Community colleges in Pennsylvania enrolled 326,786 students in the 2015-16 academic year, and while they still offer higher education at a reasonable price, in comparison to larger, private schools, growing budgetary concerns may result in a rise in tuition for students.
But despite the important role that community colleges play in the education and workforce systems, the colleges still receive the lowest per-student resources from the State.
“For the 2016-17 fiscal year, the Commonwealth’s per-student funding at community colleges averaged $2,570 compared to per-student funding of $3,352 at state-related universities, $4,405 at state-system universities, and $13,641 at other publicly-supported institutions,” the PACC wrote in their statement.
Additionally, capital funding that typically goes towards things like staff and technology, is also slated to remain static in Governor Wolf’s proposed budget. “The $2 million increase requested by the Commission would have been the first increase in capital funding since 2013-14,” writes the PACC. “A 2014 survey of the capital needs of the colleges determined that they had a capital need of more than $700 million.”
Community colleges provide more than just low cost tuition; they can teach technological skills that are highly coveted throughout the country. Many professions like radiation technicians, dental hygienists, electronics repair, etc., only require a 2 year associates degree that are often times overlooked at four year institutions.
“Community colleges are the engine of change, playing a vital role in the economic health of our community,” wrote John J. Sygielski, president of Harrisburg Area Community College, in an article he penned for The Sentinel. “In Pennsylvania, the 14 community colleges are the largest public provider of higher education.”
In her statement, Dr. Shanblatt stressed the fiscal realities of the budget, and expressed concern that level funding from the Commonwealth would further stretch the school’s resources and their ability to serve the students. “Any additional funds will help us to continue to partner with K-12 education, businesses, and employers to offer additional opportunities for students and to keep their success at the center of our mission.”