Flathead Valley Community College trustees have voted to freeze tuition levels, but endorsed a 3 percent fee increase.
A college budget committee had recommended a 6 percent tuition increase, which would have cost full-time students another $77 per semester. The fee increase totals $12.60 per semester for a full-time student.
FVCC President Jane Karas asked trustees to hold tuition at the 2009 level — or $93 per credit — for in-district students.
Karas argued that the college needed to do everything possible to help students afford an education so they can support their families.
Karas says in order to hold tuition at the current level, the college would have to do “some additional belt tightening.” She says the amount of cuts needed will depend on enrollment, which has been increasing as unemployment increases in the area.