For the first time in five years, the Alabama Board of Education decided to increase tuition at the state’s two-year colleges, which includes the local campus of Jefferson State Community College.

The increase for spring semester 2010 is significant: from $71 to $85 per credit hour, a 19 percent jump. Actual tuition will only go up about 15 percent, or $420 a year, for the typical student because fees weren’t increased. The rate will increase to $90 per credit hour for fall 2010 and $2 every year beyond.

Education officials cited funding cuts from the state and record enrollment in two-year colleges as reasons for the increases. While the logic is understandable, it’s unfortunate to see the increase at a time when fewer people can afford higher education.

Despite the increases, Jeff State, and all the other community and technical colleges, are still a good value, one we’re glad to have around.