The Central Oregon Community College board voted unanimously Wednesday to raise in-district tuition by about 4.6 percent next school year, saying the increase is needed to maintain quality in the face of rising costs.

In-district students paid $87 per credit in 2014-15 and will pay $91 in 2015-16. The vast majority of COCC students are considered in-district.

With the increase, tuition for a student taking 15 credits in a term will go from $1,305 in 2014-15 to $1,365 in 2015-16.

The technology fee will also increase from $5.50 to $6 per credit for all students.

“You’ve looked under every rug and every mattress; let’s emphasize that when we’re talking about this,” said board Chairwoman Laura Craska Cooper, noting that administrators sought other savings before raising tuition. She acknowledged the increase might be the reason some students choose not to enroll.

Still, other board members said it was more important to maintain quality for current students and that not raising tuition could force cuts.

“I think we would be making a mistake not approving this,” said Bruce Abernethy.

For students who live outside the college district, tuition will also increase, from $5 to $9 per credit, depending on the category.

COCC anticipates the tuition increase will generate about $600,000 in revenue, and the technology fee increase will generate about $80,000. This year revenue from tuition and fees accounted for about 42 percent of the college’s total general fund revenues.

Thanks in part to extra money from the state, the board chose to keep tuition for in-district students flat last year and lowered tuition for nonresident veterans, though other students saw some increases.

In other business, the board also heard that students continue to apply for the college’s new residence hall, set to open for the 2015-16 school year. April is considered a critical month for sign-ups, since that’s when many four-year schools ask for enrollment and housing commitments from students, according to Alicia Moore, dean of student and enrollment services. The board approved furniture purchases for the residence hall and the remodeled Ochoco Hall.

Last, the board heard an update on plans for the Bend campus’ 50th anniversary celebration next month, which will feature displays on COCC’s history and future, tours of the new residence hall and a ceremony dedicating the campus center to the Coats family, who donated land for the campus.

The event on May 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. is free and open to the public.

— Reporter: 541-617-7837,

aspegman@bendbulletin.com