![(l-r) Delegate Roger Hanshaw, Senator Mike Romano, Governor's Legislative Director Bob Ashley, GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett, WV HEPC Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill, Delegate Brent Boggs, and Senator Doug Facemire (l-r) Delegate Roger Hanshaw, Senator Mike Romano, Governor's Legislative Director Bob Ashley, GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett, WV HEPC Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill, Delegate Brent Boggs, and Senator Doug Facemire](/sites/default/files/styles/news_image/public/TuitionAnnouncement_1217.jpg?itok=PTTW_ImN)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2017
For More Information:
دمهْض±²¥ State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
CHARLESTON, WV - دمهْض±²¥ State College today boldly announced its pledge to again cut tuition for the 2018-19 academic year by at least 2% with the condition that GSC's state appropriation does not decrease. دمهْض±²¥ State College President Dr. Tracy Pellett was joined at the state capitol by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to make the announcement.
Pellett also stated that دمهْض±²¥ State would be dropping its summer 2018 tuition rate by an unprecedented 25%, regardless of any ongoing budgetary discussions. The move is part of an overall effort at GSC to support families financially, focus on student degree completion, and be mindful stewards of taxpayer dollars.
"The only way to create a more educated workforce and more prosperous West Virginia is through higher education attainment,"آ Pellett stated. "Past state budget reductions have resulted in substantial institutional tuition increases. State and federal aid covers less costs associated with attendance while West Virginia's student debt and loan default rate now lead the nation. دمهْض±²¥ State has decided to provide the leadership and collaboration with legislators necessary to improve higher education attainment,"آ said Pellett.
"We are able to make these bold steps for three reasons: we have tightened our belts and are becoming more efficient in all facets of our operations, we are anticipating more students taking classes and living on campus, and we believe we can work with legislators to make college affordable again," Pellett said. "I'm encouraged by the bipartisan support that we've received so far and look forward to continuing discussions about the importance of properly funding our institutions of higher education,"آ he continued.
Tuesday's announcement comes after دمهْض±²¥ State's declaration in August that it would not raise tuition for the 2017-18 academic year, the only four-year college or university in the Mountain State to hold the line on tuition.