Tuition won't increase for community college students

SEATTLE -- The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges officially froze tuition for resident and non-resident students this fall, the State Board announced on Friday.

It is the first time since 1989 that tuition will remain flat for students in the two-year college system.

"This is an historic event and a great day for our students," said State Board Chair Beth Willis.

"We appreciate the Legislature's decision to provide enough state funding for community and technical college to freeze tuition. The state's investment will pay off many times over in a skilled, educated workforce that uplifts that economy for all Washingtonians in every corner of the state," said Willis.

Approved by the state Legislature in June, the 2013-2015 operating budge spared higher education from budget cuts, made additional investments, and directed colleges and universities to not increase tuition for state residents.

Tuition will remain $4,000 per year for residents students and $9,235 for nonresident students in the 2013-2014 academic year.