MISSION VIEJO : Saddleback to Raise Foreign Student Fees

Fees for foreign students will increase by more than 20% next school year in the Saddleback Community College District, an action that some worry might keep international students away.

In a 5-2 vote, the district Board of Trustees approved increasing the fee for out-of-state and foreign residents from $104 to $105 per unit. But also starting next year, students who are citizens or residents of a foreign country will pay an additional $21 per-unit fee to be used toward district building, maintenance and equipment expenses.

New foreign students will also be required to pay a non-refundable $40 application fee when first enrolling at Saddleback or Irvine Valley colleges.

The fees for non-residents, which are allowed under state law, are needed to cover the basic education costs for such students, according to district officials. The state does not give community college districts extra funding for out-of-state and foreign students, and is considering withholding funding in the future for students who already hold bachelor’s degrees.

Trustee Lee Rhodes, who along with Trustee Joan J. Hueter voted against the higher fee, said he understands the need for it, but believes it should be delayed to allow students a better chance to plan for the increase.

“It’s a very valuable experience,” Rhodes said. “We also want the international students here because they add to the education of our young people.”

There are about 250 international students at Saddleback College and 200 at Irvine Valley College, officials said.

Vern M. Hodge, vice president of student services at Saddleback College, said officials plan to use some of the money raised through the application fee for counseling and informational handbooks for international students.

“The intent of this was not to try and limit access,” Hodge said. “The intent is having everyone pay their fair share.”