Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tuition And Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middlesex College proposes modest tuition and fee increases for 2026–27
Summary
At a Feb. 5 required hearing, Dr. McCormick presented a budget overview and proposed raising in‑county tuition by $2 to $128 per credit, modest increases to out‑of‑county and out‑of‑state rates, and small per‑credit fee increases; trustees expressed support and the hearing was closed with exhibits entered into evidence.
Dr. McCormick presented Middlesex College’s proposed tuition and fee changes for the 2026–27 academic year at a required public hearing on Feb. 5, 2026. The administration recommended raising in‑county tuition by $2 per credit to $128 and modestly increasing out‑of‑county and out‑of‑state tuition. Trustees who spoke voiced support for the approach and praised the college’s affordability.
The presentation framed the proposals as part of the college’s operating budget planning and compliance with the statute that requires an annual tuition‑and‑fee hearing. Dr. McCormick said personnel costs — salaries, pensions and benefits — make up the largest share of projected expenses, and that state and county support cover only part of the budget. He told trustees that state funding is projected at about 14% of revenue and county support about 20%, with most remaining revenue coming from tuition, fees and grants.
To preserve access while addressing rising costs, the administration proposed targeted, modest increases. For tuition, the presentation proposed an in‑county rate of $128 per credit (an increase of $2 per credit). The presentation said the out‑of‑county tuition would be set above the in‑county rate to $138 per credit and that out‑of‑state tuition would be raised modestly to $238 per credit. The college also proposed keeping a reduced rate for resident high‑school students but raising that special rate to $150 per course. "We currently charge the lowest base tuition of any of the 18 county colleges in the state," Dr. McCormick said, presenting comparative charts.
The administration also proposed increases to mandatory per‑credit fees: a $3 increase to the general fee, a $2 increase to the student services fee and a $3 increase to the technology fee. An online‑course fee would also be adjusted upward modestly. Dr. McCormick explained that course‑specific fees (labs, testing, field trips) remain distinct and are evaluated by academic leadership; many such fees and mandatory fees are covered for eligible students by federal and state financial aid programs (Pell, TAG) and by scholarships.
Trustees on the call responded with encouragement. Gary, identified as finance chair, said the presentation helped situate Middlesex favorably among its peers and thanked administration and staff for managing costs. Chrissy, of the academic affairs committee, said student outcomes are trending positively and noted ongoing efforts to secure additional federal, state, county and foundation funds to reduce pressure on students.
Procedurally, Mr. Hoffman moved to admit exhibits MC‑1 and MC‑2 into evidence; the chair accepted the exhibits by unanimous consent and closed the hearing. The board is scheduled to consider the administration’s formal recommendations at the upcoming board meeting.
The hearing record and admitted exhibits (MC‑1, MC‑2) contain the detailed charts and the list of proposed fee and tuition adjustments.
