VERO BEACH — Thousands of Treasure Coast residents attending Indian River State College will have more money in their pockets when the fall semester begins Aug. 26 thanks to no increase in tuition or fees for the 2013-2014 school year.
The college’s operating budget of $83.9 million was approved by the District Board of Trustees on June 25 without increasing tuition, laboratory, technology, or activities fees for the new school year.
“IRSC is committed to quality with affordability. With signs indicating that the economy is beginning to recover, this is the time to keep the doors of higher education open for all students, equipping them for good jobs and a better standard of living. This has a positive impact on our entire community,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President.
IRSC has a long-standing record of affordable tuition and is ranked the 5th Most Affordable College in the U.S., with enrollment over 5,000, by the U.S. Department of Education Affordability and Transparency Report.
“The college was able to prepare a budget with no tuition or fee increases by operating in a very efficient manner,” Dr. Massey added.
Administrative costs at IRSC are historically the lowest of all 28 state and community colleges in Florida, with IRSC ranking the highest in percent of funds going toward instruction.
One way IRSC has contained expenditures is through energy conservation and efficiency, resulting in electricity savings approaching $1 million dollars over the last three years. Administrative positions have not been added and purchases of equipment, supplies, and materials are carefully evaluated.
Associate level tuition for Florida residents will remain $103.83 per credit and $117.10 for Baccalaureate level college credit, 40% lower than Florida state universities, and many thousands less than private career universities.
IRSC is the leading institution of higher education on Florida’s Treasure Coast with a record of larger graduating classes each year for the past 11 years. During the 2012/2013 school year, IRSC awarded 3,200 Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees.
