For the first time in several years, YC tuition and fees are going up.
The Campus Master Plan (CMP) serves as a roadmap to help guide the college in its next several years, and incorporates YC’s Strategic Plan to determine where to invest resources in campuses and facilities. That plan, following several months of review by the YC District Governing Board (DGB), was approved in November. Individual projects will be reviewed and voted on separately as they are presented by the college to the DGB.
Key plans to be considered in the future include:
- A learning and digital commons. This concept involves state-of-the-art multimedia collaboration centers at both the Prescott and the Verde Valley campuses. The intent is to enrich student learning experiences by providing access to books, digital library resources, digital learning tools and academic support systems.
- The integration and expansion of Health Sciences. Recent studies revealed that some regional needs for allied health occupations exist. Based on expected growth in health sciences and the need to bring health science programs into one building, consideration is being given to a new Integrated Health Center.
- Workforce development. College officials see the potential for expanding workforce training programs, which are adapted to local market needs and provide improved access to quality jobs in the immediate region.
- Increased campus housing. A study completed in 2020 by Brailsford & Dunlavey indicates that the college needs more student and workforce housing. That became particularly apparent when community housing prices outpaced local and regional facilities. The Facilities Master Plan recommends that student and college employee housing be considered for both the east and the west campuses.
Tuition, Fees to Increase
For the first time in several years, YC tuition and fees are going up. Clint Ewell, vice president of YC Finance and Administrative Services, said that YC is considered one of the most affordable higher education options in Arizona. “We have the second-lowest cost in the state of Arizona. The Arizona public four-year school average is $12,000, and our price is $2,300.” He added that a new student could save $10,000 during both freshman and sophomore years.
Partnerships to Redesign Higher Education
In a collaboration led by NAU President Luis Cruz Rivera, a first-of-its kind partnership with 10 community college districts across the state of Arizona will launch this fall when an exploratory commission comprised of representatives from community colleges, NAU and the Arizona Commerce Authority convene in what is being called “Arizona Attainment Alliance.”
Cruz Rivera said that despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the nation, Arizona’s associate, bachelor’s and graduate educational attainment rates have fallen behind the rest of the nation.
He said the innovative coalition can dramatically boost statewide postsecondary attainment in areas that were aligned with high-demand and high-paying jobs that fuel the Arizona economy.
YCF President Lisa Rhine said she sees the alliance as yet another opportunity to impact the lives of students by expanding the education workforce to be valuable contributors to the future financial viability of the state.
According to AAA founders, institutions across Arizona are eager for planning to begin in the fall. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Ray Newton: An electronic billboard on the main campus of Yavapai College in Prescott urges students to enroll.
