Jefferson College will raise tuition by 2.9 percent for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The college’s Board of Trustees voted 4-0 March 13 to approve the tuition increase. Board member Tim Lewis left the meeting after its closed session and was not present for the vote, and board member Retta Tuggle was absent from the meeting.
President Dena McCaffrey said the costs to operate the college continue to increase, making the tuition increase necessary.
“It’s always a hard decision on tuition,” she said. “But, the costs of instructional goods, supplies and equipment continue to rise. We have to pass those costs along, but we want to continue to provide quality learning opportunities for our students.”
John Linhorst, the college’s vice president of finances and administration, said the tuition increase is estimated to “generate approximately $375,000 in revenue, which will largely be offset by the rising costs associated with course delivery.”
Last year, the board approved switching the college to a tiered tuition system, which is still in place.
For the 2025-2026 school year, Tier 1 classes will rise from $175 to $180 per credit hour for in-district students, from $235 to $242 per credit hour for out-of-district students and from $295 to $304 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Examples of Tier 1 classes, which account for about 78 percent of the college’s credit hours, include art, business management, criminal justice, computer information systems, mathematics, physical science, psychology and theater.
Tier 2 classes will increase from $230 to $237 per credit hour for in-district students, from $290 to $298 per credit hour for out-of-district and from $350 to $365 per credit hour for out-of-state. Some of the Tier 2 classes, which make up about 14 percent of the college’s credit hours, are automotive technology, chemistry, culinary arts, engineering, Law Enforcement Academy, machine tool technology, music and veterinary technology.
Tier 3 classes will rise from $295 to $304 per credit hour for in-district students, from $355 to $365 per credit hour for out-of-district and from $415 to $427 per credit hour for out-of-state. Tier 3 classes, which comprise about 8 percent of the college’s credit hours, include those for physical therapist assistant, practical nursing, radiologic technology and registered nursing.
In a separate motion, board members voted 4-0 to approve the following tier changes: Computer Information Systems and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT/paramedic) programs will be moved from Tier 1 to Tier 2 for the 2025-2026 school year.
“All the rest (of the college courses) will remain the same,” Linhorst said.
He said Jefferson College’s cost for tuition is competitive compared to other Missouri community colleges.
“Despite this increase, Jefferson College remains a highly affordable option for students in our community, providing accessible, high-quality education at a competitive cost,” Linhorst said.