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Virginia's public colleges and universities may have to raise tuition to make up for budget cuts.
The state council of higher education for Virginia made the recommendation today.
With our economy tanking, the commonwealth and other states are considering it...
Aaron Parker planned to attend a 4-year college to fullfill his dream of becoming a marine biologist.
But the recession brought about a wave in his plans...
Unable to pay the 30-thousand dollars a year in tuition for the college of his choice, he enrolled at 'Virginia Western Community College' where he's paying just 15-hundred dollars a semester.
Parker says plans to eventually transfer to an in-state 4 year college.
"I just wish college was cheaper so I could go where Iwanted to go and get it done with, not have to fool with going to 2 different colleges," says Parker.
Dehaven Puckett says she almost took a semester off because the recession hit her and her family so hard.
"i was working 3 part time jobs and had a full load of classes which was really tough".
The recession is also forcing students already enrolled in four year universities to drop out, move home, and sign up at their local community college.
And -- those already in the work force -- who've been layed off -- are enrolling in community colleges.
Virginia Western says they could be reasons behind the about 6-percent jump in its spring enrollment.
"That's a new trend we haven't seen in a while, says Lori Baker, the Dean of Student Services.
As students like Parker and Puckett struggle to cover rising tuition costs, virginia western is seeing an increase in the number of financial aid applications.
Students say financial aid or not -- what really pays off -- is education.
"I couldn't be a marine biologist without education so i don't want to work at Aeropostle the rest of my life", says Parker.
The Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation has partnered with Roanoke City Schools to provide students with a college education -- free of charge.
It's called the "Roanoke Community College Access Program".
It covers the cost of two years of tuition at Virginia Western Community College to Patrick Henry and William Fleming seniors who maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
For more information on Roanoke CCAP, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.virginiawestern.edu/ccap.
Questions can be sent to roanokeccap@virginiawestern.edu or call 857-7544.
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