POPLAR BLUFF - The Three Rivers Community College Board of Trustees voted to freeze college tuition to help area students during the current economic crises.

The trustees decided to freeze tuition at the 2008-2009 rate, to hold the Common Fee steady, and rollback tuition for the summer 2009 term. The actions were taken at the Board meeting on Thursday, June 25.

"With students and families doing all they possibly can to pay for a college education, we strongly believe that Three Rivers must do its part to make an education as accessible as possible," said college Trustee Marion Tibbs. "Lots of families are sitting down at the kitchen table to decide how to afford a college education in today's economy. We understand that and want to do our part to help make the dream of a college education a reality for students."

"By agreeing to hold tuition and fees steady for the next academic year, Three Rivers will not increase the burden of investing in a college education during these difficult times," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers. "At Three Rivers we believe in our students and they are our most important asset. We believe that holding steady on tuition costs will enable even more students to take advantage of the high quality and accessible education opportunities at Three Rivers."

Stephenson noted Three Rivers joined community colleges and universities throughout the state in holding the line on tuition increases. Three Rivers' tuition is one of the lowest in the four-state region.

"This is the Show-Me State, and we are going to show the nation that with quality, affordable and accessible opportunities, our students will lead the nation to a stronger and successful future. Our students today will be the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs that will build tomorrow's economy," Stephenson said.

Students currently enrolled in summer classes at Three Rivers will receive a refund. Stephenson said. The refund will reflect the difference between the 2009-2010 rate they registered under and the 2008-2009 rate that is now back into effect. Staff members in the college Business Office will immediately begin refund calculations and anticipate the checks being mailed to summer students later in July.

"I encourage students to check the new Three Rivers website for information concerning summer refunds," Stephenson said. The college website address is www.trcc.edu.

In 2008-2009 the college was in the third year of a five-year tuition rate plan. Tuition in the 2008-09 academic year was $67 for students in the college taxing district (Butler, Carter, Ripley and Wayne counties) and $107 for Missouri students living outside the taxing district. In 2009-2010 the tuition was scheduled to increase to $70 for in-district and $112 for out-of-district students.

In January of this year Trustee Bill Hollida recommended the college freeze the 2009-2010 tuition due to the economic climate in the region. In addition, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon agreed to hold state funding for higher education steady if the colleges and universities agreed to not raise tuition.

Three Rivers Community College has served Southeast Missouri for more than 40 years with accessible, affordable, and quality learning opportunities. Three Rivers offers courses on its main campus in Poplar Bluff, at its Centers and locations throughout the region, as well as e-learning opportunities with online courses. For additional information visit the college Web site at www.trcc.edu or contact the College at (573) 840-9600 or toll-free at 1-877-TRY-TRCC.