Shawnee Community College expands in-district tuition rates

Students in the regions surrounding Southernmost Illinois who are looking to save money on college costs have a new option available from Shawnee Community College.

Public colleges and universities typically charge different tuition rates for district residents and another, much higher rate for students from outside the district. 

The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees recently voted to allow prospective students from contiguous counties in Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky the opportunity to pay in-district tuition rates.

The Southeast Missouri counties include Cape Girardeau, Scott, Mississippi and New Madrid.

The Western Kentucky counties include Ballard, Livingston and McCracken.

The cost for in-district tuition is currently $115 per credit hour, which the college said is one of the lowest rates in the area.

“This decision comes at an exciting time for our institution,” said Dr. Kathleen Curphy, who is the college’s vice president of academic affairs and student learning.

“We are currently expanding our program offerings at Shawnee,” she said.  

The new program offerings include drone courses, massage therapy and apprenticeships training, in addition to the many courses already available to students. 

“We are an affordable institution, with active campus life and high-quality course offerings for our students. We are pleased to expand our reach into our neighboring states and look forward to the future,” Curphy said. 

Fall semester enrollment is underway at the college. Details about the programs which are available at the college are available by calling 618-634-3200 or by visiting the college’s  website at shawneecc.edu.