P.E.I. colleges raise tuitions

Most students going to P.E.I.'s two provincial colleges will pay more starting in September.

Holland College announcedThursday tuition will rise two per cent.

Ken Heckbert, the college's chief financial officer, said the one per cent increase in provincial funding this year was not enough to avoid running a deficit, and that's not allowed under provincial legislation.

"We cut some expenses where we can and raise revenue from provincial and other sources where we can," said Heckbert.

"If we could have kept it lower than two per cent we would have done that, but two per cent was the amount we needed to balance the books with all the measures we took as well."

Here are some examples of how tuitions will change.

• Culinary arts: From $6,197 to $6,321.
• Construction technology and management (first year): From $4,596 to $4,688.
• Accounting technology (first year): From $4,978 to $5,078.
• Video game art and animations (first year): From 3,830 to $3,907.

Fees for international students will not change.

Heckbert said Holland College has the highest tuition for non-Island students in Atlantic Canada, but with the awards and bursaries available for Island students it is the lowest cost option for them.

The construction of a new 81-unit residence in Charlottetown is not a factor in the increase. Heckbert saidthat isa self-sustaining project.

Lining up tuitions

Most students atCollge de l'le will also see their tuitions rise next year.

The college is adjusting tuitions so they are closer to those at Holland College, as part of a growing partnership between the two schools.

• Holland College making room for French college

Most courses at the college will see tuition increases between two and seven per cent, but tuition in two programs will drop significantly. Practical nursing tuition will drop eight per cent, and welding by 10 per cent.

The UPEIboard of governors is meeting this week to consider next year's budget, and is expected to make a decision on next year's tuition as part of that discussion.

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