By Cole Sowders
Staff Writer 

Graph showing increase of tuition and fees per year. Graph by Cole Sowders

For what feels like the millionth time, Clackamas Community College is planning to raise tuition.

Each new increase brings the same questions: how much more will students be expected to pay? How will it affect enrollment? And at what point does the cost begin to outweigh the opportunity? 

Proposed changes to Clackamas Community College’s fee schedule would increase several student costs beginning in fiscal year 2026-27.

The General and IT fee would increase from $13 to $14 per credit hour, a $1 increase per credit. The college service fee would also increase from $30 to $40 per term, adding $10 per term for students.

For a student taking 15 credit hours, total fees would increase from $225 to $250 per term, a $25 increase compared with the 2025-26 fiscal year.

When combined with proposed tuition increases, the total cost for a student taking a 15-credit course load would increase by approximately $115 per term compared with the previous year.

If approved, the tuition and fee increases are expected to generate an estimated $483,700 in additional revenue for the college’s general fund.

For many students, especially those balancing work, rent and family, even a modest bump in tuition can make a noticeable difference in their financial stability.

“Tuition is reviewed annually and is typically adjusted modestly to keep pace with inflation and rising operating costs,” an email from VP of Finance Jeff Shaffer said. “Over time, expenses such as employee compensation, utilities and facility operations increase. The board and college leadership have traditionally favored small, predictable adjustments rather than holding rates flat for multiple years and then implementing a larger increase that could be more disruptive to students’ financial planning,” 

Shaffer continued, “For the current fiscal year, tuition revenue represents approximately 25% of the college’s General Fund revenue (about $18.6 million of a $75 million budget). The remaining funding comes primarily from state support, property taxes, grants and other local revenues. Federal funds are kept in unique, restricted funds which don’t directly relate in any way with tuition.”

Community colleges are often seen as the more affordable path to higher education; a practical first step before transferring to a university or entering the workforce with new credentials. But as costs continue to rise, some students are left wondering whether that affordable label still fits. 

With inflation, housing costs and other economic pressures already stretching finances thin, the added expense of tuition can feel less like an investment and more like a gamble.

Students can find support through a range of campus resources, including academic advising, financial aid counseling and other student support services. These offices are designed to help students navigate the often complicated logistics of paying for college while staying on track academically.

Advisors can work with students to plan course schedules that align with degree or transfer goals, helping them avoid unnecessary credits that can add to overall costs. Financial aid counselors assist students in understanding their eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities, as well as how to complete required paperwork and meet deadlines. 

“Clackamas Community College offers institutional scholarships and resources through our Coordinated Student Resource page(…). Students concerned about future tuition changes are encouraged to stay informed through college communications, attend board meetings when available and connect with student government representatives to better understand the decision-making process,” said Carrie Sandberg, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

“Planning ahead, applying early for aid, and regularly reviewing financial aid packages are some of the most effective strategies students can use to prepare,” continued Sandberg.

For many students, these conversations can clarify what aid is available and how to make informed decisions about paying for school.

Additional student support services can also provide guidance on budgeting, payment plans and connecting students with campus or community resources. 

While rising tuition can feel overwhelming, college officials encourage students to take advantage of these services early and often, emphasizing that asking questions and seeking support can make the path through higher education more manageable.

Since 2014, The Clackamas Print has regularly reported on tuition and fee increases, tracking what has slowly but steadily become a pattern rather than a surprise of rising costs.

Shaffer also said, “Historically, modest, incremental adjustments have not shown a significant impact on enrollment patterns. The college also works to keep tuition comparable to other nearby community colleges and below the statewide average whenever possible. Many external factors, such as local economic conditions, employment trends, and population changes, tend to have a larger influence on enrollment than tuition adjustments.”

Christy Owen at board meeting talking about tuition increase. Photo by Gabriel Elmosleh

According to a document presented by Christy Owen, Dean of Business Services, she said, “Annually, the college forecasts an increase in tuition rates to be between 3-4% to maintain rates consistent with inflation and continue to keep the forecast balanced with expenses.” 

That plan also includes a proposed tuition increase for the 2026-27 academic year.

The document also states, “The increase of $6 per credit hour for in-state tuition for FY 2026-27 would be within a consistent range of recent annual increases. The reason for the increase of $6 per credit hour is to keep pace with inflation and to ensure continued funding support in the event the state divests from its current biennial budget for community colleges in Oregon.”

As Clackamas Community College moves forward with another increase, the conversation once again shifts to accessibility and equity. For students already navigating financial uncertainty the question remains: at what cost does a higher education remain worth it?