Tuition and fees will increase by $8 per credit for most Central Oregon Community College students, beginning with the summer term.

Tuition — at an additional $6 per credit — accounts for the bulk of the change, with a $2 hike in the school’s technology fee making up the difference.

The increase, approved by the school’s board earlier this month, brings the bill for tuition and fees to about $4,000 annually for a full-time student living within COCC’s district. This is the fourth consecutive year COCC has raised tuition and fees, and this year’s boost will cost the typical in-district student about $360 per year.

Nonetheless, COCC officials predict the college will remain one of the least expensive community colleges in Oregon.

Board members unanimously approved the increase as part of COCC’s attempt to overcome declining state support and property tax receipts.

“I think it’s a responsible decision. It’s not one I enjoy making, but I think it is fiscally responsible,” said board member Charley Miller.

More than 86 percent of COCC students live within the college’s district, and they will pay the extra $6 per credit for tuition. Students who live outside the district will pay more, and all students will pay the increased technology fee.

The pressure from tuition and fee increases extend beyond the classroom, according to Veronica Schneider, a second-year student at COCC.

“It makes it harder to cover costs of other things,” she said.

By boosting tuition, COCC will be able to avoid cuts and even add staff for its new science center and health careers buildings. Both buildings are set to open in time for fall term, and the college plans to hire three full-time faculty members.

Through those hires, COCC will be able to expand offerings in chemistry, biology and the newly added veterinary technician program.

“(Sciences) is where we have the largest backlog, the longest wait list,” said college spokesman Ron Paradis.

Johnny Swartz, a second-year COCC student, said increasing tuition was a “deep” issue. Higher costs may hurt, but Swartz said COCC “needs to support its teachers.”

“I don’t like it, but it makes sense,” he said.