MASON CITY – The North Iowa Area Community College board of directors recently approved a tuition cost hike.
A tuition cost hike of 2.35% was approved by the board on May 22. Currently, in-state students pay $127.75 and out-of-state students pay $191.13 per credit hour. The hike amounts to $3.00 and $5.00 increases per credit hour, respectively. Other fees will remain the same.
Declining enrollment has put the college in a tough spot financially. Last fall, hundreds of thousands of dollars in cuts were proposed due to limited budgets and revenue challenges due to a drop in enrollment.
The school moved forward, however, with construction of new dormitories to accommodate 400 students. The three-story building will replace the current dormitory, which was built in the 1970s. The project will be mostly complete in the fall of 2014, with some work lagging into the start of the school year. The school will have to compensate students affected by the construction delays.
NIT received word that NIACC is banking on a full dorm and if it’s not, more financial woes could follow. Some of the suites in the new dorm reportedly will cost in excess of $8,000 per school year.
Even as the college claims to cut back on spending, some have criticized the expenditure on the dorms and other questionable financial decisions. For example, NIACC paid former president Debb Derr what some call a “golden parachute” of a $75,000 when she reached her five year mark in working for the school. When she reached that payday, she promptly bolted for Oregon, and took her son, Brennan Derr, with her, who was dealing drugs on campus.
NIT reported last year that NIACC had sent a letter to staff, saying that belt-tightening was needed and “rainy day” funds were getting scarce.
On May 13th, NIT reported that the NIACC baseball team’s game in Waterloo had been rained out. However, the team still went to Buffalo Wild Wings on Mason City’s west side and rang up a bill of $500, paid for by the college.
How on earth is Kaplan “University” still open?
Hey, Matt, how about an in-depth article on that outfit?
I’m not a Kaplan fan. Nothing against the local people running it, per se, but I think it’s a scam. I wouldn’t advise anyone to enroll there. I don’t think it’s a real college nor do I think it prepares people for the profession they choose.
Matt,
Nothing against the folks working there, but . . . . Kaplan is owned by the Washington Post with Melinda Gates on its board of directors-great political influence to keep Kaplan going.
Imho, it’s more than a scam, it’s criminal–unaccredited degrees and credits that aren’t transferrable.
You enroll, get the Pell grants and loans (which will dog you for the rest of your life) you are then stuck for further educational assistance when you decide to go to Niacc for a real degree.
@Matt-I know several people who have gone to Kaplan and several who have worked there. The turn over there is horrendous and that should tell you something. I know of no one who went there that got a job in their chosen profession. Doesn’t meant there are none, just means I don’t know of any.
@ Iowa Sucks… I don’t think that is the answer. That is not the other name that I blog under….but good try..Actually I have 2 other names…
North Iowa Today ought to do an in-depth report on Niacc’s expenditures.
Of particular note, would be Prez Deb Derr’s contract which she engineered for an out of state outfit–Sunguard, now Lucien–to run Niacc’s IT systems. The cost? One-million.
It has been a disaster from day one. Students and staff have complained endlessly.
Another “public-private” partnership, eh Matt?
Greenan you’re doing cop math, kind of like how cops say drugs are worth zillions of zillions of dollars and so people must be prosecuted. NOTHING has risen as much as college education adjusted for inflation…nothing! And it’s Arlyn Rahlf, not Rohlf.
Stop with your worthless cop math.
Well excuse me for spelling Arlyn’s name wrong… I just couldn’t remember… so blast me right!! As far as cop math– I have no problem with that — if that is what u call it. You seem to know about me, so then u know my father Wes was Chief of Police, a graduate of the FBI Academy and an FBI consultant. So, I am proud to use Law Enforcement Math. I have never seen anyone say zillions and zillions in my life. But if you are distributing even $ 1,000 of meth at the school– Prosecute-Yes!!
How many people remember these wonderful NIACC teachers… Thank you for your outstanding contribution to mine and thousands of students education! George Coyan, Jim Zirnhelt, Arlo Stoltenberg, Dale Becker, Mr. Rosenberg, Franklin Hutchins, George and Juanita Romig, Gus Brandt, Omer Johnson, Signe Johnson, Hank Geesman, My Biology lab teacher ??, Arlan Rolhf, Pres. David Pierce, My dad, Wes Greenan, taught Law Enforcement classes, Mr’s Eason and Easton… and many more!!!
College is irreverent now with the Internet. Pay someone thousands of dollars to read a book and be tested over it? You can download the book and study at home and learn more. All the time driving and sitting in class can be spent studying. Library’s and college are going the way of the dinosaur.
As much as I agree that the people in charge of maintaining budget at NIACC obviously cannot out of complete selfishness or ignorance. I disagree in comparing the value of a college education compared to consumer goods. A college education does not lose value over time. The jobs that require a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree will always do so. If the argument is coat then complain to your atate legislators who now give less state funding to community colleges than they do the privates.
Everything goes up — almost weekly in some cases. In the past year– bread has gone up over 50% a loaf. A lb. of lean ground beef is over $ 5.00 now… that is a 300% hike in a short time… A loaf of English Muffin bread up to $ 3.79 up 40%.. Nobody likes hikes in taxes, tuition, food, gas and other necessities, but it is what it is for now. U don’t stop eating or going to school — u just work a little harder or cut back somewhere else to get by.. Never give up on education..
That’s complete BS logic. Nothing has increased as much as college over the last 30 years, food is not even close. Fake justification is all that is. Food can come back down in price, college never does. $1.00 burgers at Burger King give me a break, they are cheaper when adjusted for inflation than they were 30 years ago.
I can see your degree was not in economics, it’s in BS.
No, my latest degree is in reality. I don’t disagree that college expenses have risen. My grandparents
$ 12,000 for their first house in 1961– the last time it sold for $ 82,500 is that a better representation of inflationary economics?? My first used car was a Dodge Dart in 1966… bought for $ 300 it was 4 years old. New Dodge Dart today == entry level $ 15,000. Like I said it is what it is. If you think we can change things backward, I would love to hear your solutions… Seriously..
Now you’re comparing used cars to entry level new ones. Bogus to say the least.
Ms. Greenan, I will have to agree with IS on this one.
You are comparing Apples to Oranges.
The increased cost of higher eduction has far, far outpaced any other cost increases.
College tuition and fees have increased 1,120 percent since 1978.
The rate of increase in college costs has been four times faster than the increase in the consumer price index.
Also medical expenses have climbed 601 percent, while the price of food has increased 244 percent over the same period.
Like I am trying to say. Everything is going up!! Many of the reasons are shameful( mostly politics and greed)– but if we could change it at this point– we would be big heroes. We’re all talking percentages and anyone can make a case for their numbers. It just opinions..This isn’t the end of the world as Iowa Sucks seems to want to make it.
Life goes on….
Those are not opinions Ms. Greenan, they are facts.
When the increased cost of higher education far, far outpaces the rising cost of
Medical care, Housing, Consumer Price index and food there is a serious problem.
And the most glaring crisis in this is student debt.
I am in my early 60’s and was fortunate enough to have VA to pay for most of my college.
I am most concerned for today’s students.
You are living in the past.
I find your Laissez-Faire attitude disturbing.
My attitude comes from years of Community and Political activism. It’s not that I don’t care anymore. It’s just after 46 years of doing that– must be about your age– I do not choose to get in to the rat race and fight it out at this time in my life. I choose to live under the radar and peacefully as much as possible. It is a huge transition. I have also downsized in my career, housing, and learning wants from needs. It’s a shift that I am comfortable with. It should not disturb u.
Well, I don’t know how Blisterpak showed up on my log in. But, I did reply to you — not looking at the name until after….It was me.
I get where you are coming from for sure… I had to laugh tho. Laissez-faire is something that has never been applied to me… even as far back as 2nd grade. I have always been outspoken and will stand up for what I believe no matter what the cost. As I ease into retirement I just want to tame it down and enjoy life…
From a personal standpoint I understand the increased costs of higher education. My husband went back to school as an adult a few years ago. He graduated from college after HS, but wanted to change careers. We are still paying for his student loans and will be into retirement. So, I do get it…Just wanted u to know…
It showed up in log in because of cookies. It’s the other name you post with.
I am also proud to state that my first to years of college were at NIACC. Saved a ton of money, lived at home, worked at the hospital to save more for the next years of school. On to Missouri to complete my B.S. in Speech Therapy/ Elem/Secondary education and minor in Psych. Then on to Minnesota to Grad School. It was a wonderful preparation for higher ed. In my adult life I went back for a degree in Business Administration to change careers. No regrets about NIACC..
TYPO…..first TWO years…
Ya, I went to the 5 year transfer school. UNI, usually it was another 3 years at University since many credits didn’t seem to transfer.
Mine all transferred with no problems. And, I chose the other colleges for the particular majors and classes not available in Iowa. UNI U of I did not have a Clinical Practicum available with the 4 year Speech Path program… And ISU did not have the major at all.
Everyone has different experiences. Sometimes its the person, sometimes its the circumstances… I always choose to think positive about mine… Even though life has not always been kind. Never give up hope…
Beware of having co-signers on student loans. If the co-signer dies they call the loan in and declare it in default even if you’ve never missed a payment. They take the full amount from the co-signers estate.
They have a lot of guts charging anything when they have teachers there like “Retarded N.I.A.C.C. They should pay the students to go there. No wonder the place is going down the tubes.
The place is not “going down the tubes”. NIACC is a highly respected community college. Many graduates have gone on to lucrative careers because NIACC gave them a great start. You’ll never agree with anything Retired NIACC says because he/she is a liberal, as am I. Why must you criticize anyone who has a different point of view than you do?
I generally agree with you LVS, but not on this one. I have done the research and NIACC is 14th academically in the nation for all Junior/Community Colleges… There are many successful graduates. Many scholastically, many athletically, many musically, and in other fine arts areas.. I highly recommend NIACC to lessen the cost of the first 2 years of college. My best friend’s daughter just got an Art Scholarship and then off to Wartburg– at
$ 35-40,000 per year…
@MaryBeth-You are certainly entitled to your opinion and most of the time I would agree with you. My brother and one of my sons went to NIACC and back then it was a good school. I was even on the steering committee out there for a couple of years and was proud to do it. However, I see things changing and I certainly do not want anyone as hateful as retired NIACC teaching any more of my relatives. It has nothing to do with his/her political beliefs and everything to do with the backstabbing.
I see what you mean!! I would feel that way under the circumstances… There have been wonderful teachers, but, we all know there have been some less than desirable.. to put it mildly!! Thank God, I only got one of those….
If only I could go back and play there the way things are now. What an opportunity for high school kids overlooked or not quite good enough yet to play at a higher level.
Questioning institutions or organizations for decisions made is the beauty of America. Blast away, chip away, ask questions.
A reporter of your echelon and pedigree, I bet you know the numbers each team brings in after fundraising as well after the research you did for this article which also makes $500 seem extremely…
You should do an article on the recent success of niacc athletics considering in every sport they are behind the 8 ball in scholarship money. Niacc just had a national champ in golf, very inspirational for younger kids in our area.
Baseball team produced more players to d1 than about anyone in that league which shouldn’t happen. Niacc should not beat iowa central in baseball. Sort of like the Yankees SHOULD win more games than the Royals in pro baseball. Just look at the payrolls.
NIT frequently reports on NIACC sports and athletes. Dozens of reports. Not to mention other events, classes, etc they are offering on campus. One story does not portray the totality of all reporting on NIACC by NIT. Thank you.
I see several articles on this site covering niacc athletics searching the site which all look like press releases. I don’t find any articles written by NIT staff written like this one covering any sports team.
A great investigation and article would be finding out why niacc athletic teams do not receive the same scholarship money as the schools they compete against. Track, golf, wrestling women’s basketball, baseball could win that league every year given the same competitive resources.
That would be interesting, but it also sounds like a snoozer. I kinda feel like I’m already doing NIACC a favor publishing their announcements and releases, athlete signings, etc etc. It’s local content so I roll with it for now.
Yea that’s fair. I will say was shocked to see those press releases on here, it is nice of you to do considering no one is racing to this site to read that kind of thing. It is a favor to them no doubt.
So take away 30 grand in scholarships for baseball team, low estimate team brings in well over 300 grand and I bet that is quite low.
School is out well before may 13, the reported date of niacc spending $500 to feed student-athletes. The dorms no longer serve food. The kids have to be fed regardless of a rain out or not. The season is still going. They are student athletes representing NIACC, on a team that brings in well over 300 grand. And you’re magnifying $500 spent for them to eat?
But they are on scholarship, right?
Niacc athletics is amongst the lowest funded schools in its conference when it comes to scholarship money. Full scholarships are not allowed at a dII juco in the first place.
Dmacc, iowa central, and southeastern have twice the amount of money niacc has for scholarships.
Yet, niacc won that league in baseball last year. Was in the title game again this year.
Women’s basketball, same scholarship situation, dominated that league this year
Take into consideration niacc baseball has around 30 players on its roster. None of those players would attend niacc if it wasn’t for baseball, they would choose another school to play for. 30 players with your reported new tuition and housing fees brings in $350,000 for niacc. This is probably low considering all there players are not in state-players come from Latin America, Australia, Canada, etc.
This also doesn’t account for books. The number is most likely well over 400 grand
The people of this site are all about facts. I respect that. Matt marquardt was blasted by the mayor on the radio which was totally out of bounds. That was frustrating to hear about. I believe Matt called for a public debate which did not happen, but was allowed to at least go on the radio and defend himself. Thankfully. That was completely the right thing. So if anyone can appreciate facts about a situation, it certainly is Matt. He has experienced ridiculous false statements made upon him.
I appreciate your comments and perspectives. Completely good discussion here. Many folks do not understand the need for a $500 bill at a sports bar / restaurant, especially in tough economic times. Your explanations hold some water. Would there be a cheaper way to feed the team? Perhaps. Maybe that was not an option as the team prepared for their game, which was then rained out. The scope of this discussion is not anti-NIACC baseball. I hope they win titles every year. The point is to generate this exact kind of discussion, which may lead to understanding and better future outcomes. Thanks again for posting these thoughts.
That is a fair question, could they find a cheaper venue to eat at. Considering they had 7-10 days after the school year ended, I would bet there were many restaurants in town they ate at. Between 20-30 meals niacc was responsible for feeding there student-athletes representing niacc. BWW could not have been the only meal they were served if you think about it.
Fair discussion, glad it can be discussed in a professional manner.
The price increases are certainly always frustrating. Any decision made by any college can certainly be under any type of scrutiny, review, debate, and facts presented for the public. The people of Mason City deserve to know the details of this article.