Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com December 22, 2014 • Hartford Business Journal 45 Industry Focus E c o n o m i c F o r E c a s t Gray innovative partnerships between business and BOR. We introduced one such program this fall, called Pathways in Technology (P-Tech), a six- year academy model school at Norwalk Com- munity College, created in collaboration with multinational technology corporation IBM. P-Tech will enable students to graduate with a high school diploma and associate degree in applied science from Norwalk Community Col- lege. There are three more programs scheduled to come online in the BOR system next year. We will, however, face a continuing down- ward trend in high school graduations, which will require ongoing efforts on our part to aug- ment those expected declines. Q: What are you predicting in terms of tuition costs? Are state colleges going to need to increase tuition again? A: We are committed to maintaining tuition increases to a level that is no higher than 2 per- cent, which is the level the Board set for this year. The Board of Regents feels a strong sense of responsibility adhering to this level, in order to maximize affordability and accessibility for our students. Of course, the tuition we set is based on enrollment, and on the appropriation we receive in the state budget. For some context, a 2014 fiscal year compari- son of competitive college tuition and fees to the Connecticut State University System is per- haps instructive. Of the 12 institutions deemed competitive to BOR universities, ours have the lowest average tuition, at $9,168. The highest is Fairfield University, at $43,770, and University of Connecticut's is $12,700. For all of us, there is continuing upward pressure with regard to tuition, so preventing increases from year to year is virtually impossible. We committed last year to institute the lowest possible increase at 2 percent, and our budget for the next biennium is built around no more than 2 percent. Q: If tuition in Connecticut continues to rise, what potential long-term impact will that have on the state and economy? A: The long-term implications for steadily rising tuition is an unacceptable one — clos- ing the door to eager students who will no lon- ger be able to afford pursuing a college degree. And of course, there are significant "down- stream" implications as well. Producing fewer graduates reduces the workforce emerging fully prepared for successful careers, and rich- er lives. And, of course, reduction puts down- ward pressure on the economy, starting that cycle all over again. These are outcomes that we have an obligation to avoid, for the sake of our students and our state. n Connecticut Business Connects on June 4th! Early Bird: gets the ❑ shady parking spot ❑ blue plate special ❑ worm the BEST BOOTH! Produced By: Gold Sponsor: Thursday, June 4th, 2015 Connecticut Conevention Center, Hartford • CTBEXPO.com 1 5 t h A n n u A l RESERVE NOW & SAVE Early Bird Booth Special Ends Dec. 31st, 2014 Contact Brittney Michaud at bmichaud@HartfordBusiness.com or 860-236-9998 x133 for special rates and to view floor plan! Quality Energy Results ▶ ▶ The long-term implications for steadily rising tuition is an unacceptable one — closing the door to eager students who will no longer be able to afford pursuing a college degree.

• Cover