TRINIDAD —  Trinidad State Junior College will not raise tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year after a decision made April 14 by the Colorado Community College System.

“The pandemic has hit our students particularly hard,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. “Our State Board, recognizing that we cannot ask our students and their families to shoulder a greater share of the burden during these difficult times, made the wise but difficult decision to freeze tuition for the upcoming academic year. Our colleges are the most affordable, accessible options to obtain a high-quality education and workforce training – and we intend to keep it that way.”

All 13 colleges in Colorado that are governed by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education will keep the same tuition rates that are currently in effect.

“We’re doing our best to balance the needs of Trinidad State with the needs of the community,” said Trinidad State President Dr. Rhonda M. Epper.  “Our budget will be tight, but this is the right thing to do.”

Chancellor Garcia noted that CCCS was able to hold tuition flat thanks to Colorado’s Governor and Joint Budget Committee providing increased state funding to higher education this year and for prioritizing resources to students who were most negatively affected by the pandemic, including first-generation and minority students. “While our needs remain substantial and fall enrollments are far from certain, we are grateful for the state’s demonstrated commitment to higher education quality, access, and affordability,” said Garcia.

As the state’s largest provider of undergraduate education and workforce training, CCCS has worked aggressively to contain costs while maintaining its academic excellence. The system’s priorities of affordability, access, and graduating more students are critical factors when setting tuition rates.

CCCS’s average annual tuition this year for a full-time student, taking 30 credits, is $4,470. Many paid less because of financial aid or scholarships. Of students who apply for financial aid, 63 percent pay no tuition costs, allowing them to graduate debt-free.