Texarkana College Students to See No Tuition Increase

The Texarkana College Board of Trustees voted not to raise student tuition for the 2017-18 academic year.

"Our tuition remains on par with state averages, and we really feel like out students are paying their fair share when it comes to funding their higher education," said TC President James Henry Russell. "They're paying a higher percentage of the cost of their education than any generation that came before them."

Trustees also approved a new certificate for students completing the college's 42-hour core curriculum. Core completion ensures a smooth transfer of credits for students to all Texas public four-year higher education institutions and saves students thousands of dollars in tuition and fees at the same time. TC will award this new academic certificate under Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code.

"This award provides an incentive for students to keep going toward degree completion," said Dr. Donna McDaniel, TC's Vice President of Instruction. "It is a reminder to them that they have reached a milestone in their academic career and that their goal of completion is within their reach."

The State of Texas has adopted a higher education strategic plan known as 60x30TX. The goal of the plan is that by the year 2030, at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will have earned a higher education certificate or degree. The TC Core Curriculum Certificate of Completio is one way Texarkana College is working toward meeting the State's goal. The Texas Core Curriculum (TCC) is a 42-semester credit hour (SCH) plan for all undergraduate students in Texas. The elements of the TCC include nine common component areas:

Communication- 6 hours

Mathematics- 3 hours

Life & Physical Science- 6 hours

Language, Philosophy, & Culture- 3 hours

Creative Arts- 3 hours

American History- 6 hours

Government/Political Science- 6 hours

Social & Political Science- 3 hours

Speech- 3 hours

Component Area Option Courses- 3 hours

Students have flexibility to choose courses within the component areas that align with their degree or major field. Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine what courses they should take. Texarkana College will begin awarding core completion certificates beginning in May 2017.

In other business, Board of Trustee members Jane Daines, Place 1 and Ken Reese, Place 2, were sworn in to serve new terms of office.

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