July, 2007

ECC Budget

The Erie Community College Budget for 2007-2008 was approved by the Board of Trustees on May 9, 2007 and has been presented to the Erie County Executive and Erie County Legislature for their review.

ECC is a very important resource in our community and has a broad appeal to a large segment of high school graduates in Erie County, as well as those already in the workforce who are looking to enhance their skills. Nationally, community colleges are growing as a top choice for higher education and ECC is no exception.

In my Legislative district which includes Clarence, Newstead, Amherst and Cheektowaga, 718 students were enrolled at Erie Community College for the Fall 2006 semester. Our community benefits from having these students educated here as they graduate, work here and raise their families here. 90% of the graduates of ECC remain in our community.

Erie Community College is ranked #1 in the SUNY system as the most cost effective administratively, having the lowest spending for administration cost per full time equivalent student. And, their 2007-2008 budget provides no change in student tuition keeping it at $2,987 per academic year. Over the last three years ECC had the lowest tuition increase of all 30 community colleges.

The college's success is based upon a three-party relationship between the State, Erie County and the ECC Board of Trustees. Approximately 80% of Erie Community College's budget revenue is derived from student tuition and state aid. As ECC's local sponsor, Erie County contributes approximately 19.3% of ECC's annual budget. In the 2007-2008 budget, Erie County's support is increased by $2.0 million, the first time in a number of years.

Even through difficult economic times, Erie Community College has increased its enrollment by almost 32% in the past eight years. Full-time staffing has decreased by over 11% in the past 14 years. The 2007-2008 budget will provide for a small increase of full-time staffing at levels to better serve the needs of the students.

The residents of Western New York are fortunate to have an affordable choice for higher education like ECC in our community.

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