College Officials Oppose Fee Increase

Hoping to keep foreign and out-of-state students coming to Ventura County’s community colleges, district officials are recommending against an increase in tuition rates for nonresidents.

On Tuesday, the Ventura County Community College District board will vote on whether to raise tuition for out-of-state and foreign students. By state law, the fee could be raised by as much as $11.

But Jeff Marsee, vice chancellor of administrative services, said he is recommending that the fee stay at $114 a unit.

“I think the board has been as sensitive to the issue as possible,” he said. “They want to make sure nonresident students pay their fair share of the educational cost. But on the flip side, they do not want to discourage them from attending classes here or taking advantage of them.”

In addition, Marsee has recommended no increase in the $14-per-unit fee that foreign and out-of-state students pay to help cover district construction costs.

Since California residents pay state taxes that are allocated to the district, they receive lower tuition rates and are not asked to pay the additional surcharge, Marsee said.