CSCU seeking millions from state; various tuition scenarios under discussion

The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system is seeking more funding from the state ”“ although the state is unlikely to come through.

According to the CSCU”™s Board of Regents, the system ”“ consisting of 12 community colleges, four regional state universities, and the online Charter Oak State College ”“ needs to receive an additional $41 million from the state for the 2019-20 school year, and another $30 million for the 2020-21 year, to continue its current programs and to add other programs and staff.

Instituting another two-year tuition increase to make up the difference is something that CSCU President Mark Ojakian has repeatedly decried as unfair to the system”™s 84,000 students.

However, with the state facing its own deficits, chances of its providing multiple millions to the CSCU would appear to be doubtful.

The Regents also plan to discuss a number of initiatives between now and next spring, including freezing tuition rates for two or four years; keeping them flat for full-time students; and incentivizing those who graduate from the system via a rebate on some of those students”™ total costs.

Other tuition-related options under discussion include guaranteeing a flat rate for incoming full-time freshmen for three years at community colleges and for five years at universities; attending for free during their last semester; and providing payment for a student”™s education if they meet certain requirements, including a high grade-point average and attendance rate.

Among the schools in the CSCU system are Norwalk Community College, Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, and Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.