As Flathead Valley Community College copes with $1.3 million less than it expected in state funding over the next two years, college officials announced part of that balancing act will come in the shape of student fee increases.

On April 25, the FVCC Board of Trustees approved a tuition and fee increase of $16.40 per credit, according to a press release from college officials Wednesday.

College officials said the increase will roll into effect for the fall of 2017.

The revenue generated by the increase in tuition and fees will cover less than 50 percent of the projected budget shortfall, according to the release.

President Jane Karas said the college is working to continue to meet and support the educational goals of students without a major impact on programs or services.

“Due to receiving less state funding than expected from the Legislature, we will cut expenditures in an already lean budget, and will also increase tuition to ensure that our students continue to receive the quality of educational services for which we are known,” Karas said in the release.

The tuition and fee increase was recommended by FVCC’s Budget Committee, which included student representation.

In addition to a tuition and fee increase, Karas said FVCC is also working to reduce expenditures. She said the college will work with students challenged by the cost hike to help them through financial assistance, including payment plans, loans or scholarships.

“FVCC is committed to helping all students achieve an education,” she said.

A student forum was held last week where students had an opportunity to comment on the budget recommendation.

FVCC Student Government President Garret Deffert said the students he had reached out to all were in agreement.

“We would prefer to pay a little extra in tuition than to lose out on the quality of education and services that we currently receive,” he said.

Deffert said as one of those voices in support for the increase, he values everyone’s ability to seek an education.

“Regardless of the outcome of this, we will continue to work toward a strong future, and we will persevere in reaching our goals,” he said.

The state’s three community colleges had more than 2,000 full-time-equivalent students last year.

While the schools combined have seen more than a 10-percent decrease in enrollment over the last decade, FVCC has seen a jump by nearly 8 percent since 2006, according to the Montana University System.

Karas said anyone with comments or questions can contact her on Friday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 406-756-3801.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].