Campus News
January 5th, 2026
GC continues tuition freeze for 7th straight year
College's 2026-27 in-county tuition rate to remain $99 per credit
The Garrett College Board of Trustees recently approved an administration recommendation to keep its in-county tuition rate at $99 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year.
The trustees' decision means in-county tuition will remain flat for the seventh consecutive year. The rate has been constant since the trustees reduced in-county tuition from $109 per credit hour to $99 ahead of the COVID-impacted 2020-21 academic year.
The trustees also held the per-credit combined fee at $49 per credit hour for the third consecutive year. GC's in-county tuition rate, as well as its combined in-county tuition-and-fee rate, is the lowest among Maryland community colleges.
"I think this is a very powerful statement regarding the College's commitment to keeping costs as low as possible for our local residents," said Jason Rush, chair of the Garrett College Board of Trustees. "We want college to be accessible to everyone in our community."
Karen Myers, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, noted GC is "bucking a national trend that's seen steadily rising tuition rates at all levels of higher education."
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said impressive county fiscal support and the College's strong financial management both play key roles in keeping college costs down for Garrett County residents.
"Garrett College is better supported by county government than any other community college in the state," said Midcap. "The operational and capital support we receive is tremendous – and that doesn't even take into account the impact of the county-financed Garrett County Scholarship Program."
Midcap said maximizing the Garrett County Scholarship Program (GCSP) is a prime goal in the College's emphasis on keeping in-county tuition and fees low.
"By keeping in-county student costs low, we can stretch the impact of the GCSP," said Midcap. "The county's funding and the College's cost-containment strategies mean a recent local high school graduate can complete an associate's degree virtually cost-free."
The trustees also kept residence hall rates flat for the fifth consecutive year.
"Residence hall rates are an important consideration for many of our out-of-county and out-of-state students," said Dr. Robert "JR" Kerns, Garrett's dean of student affairs. "Keeping our on-campus residential options affordable helps us attract out-of-area students – which helps the College maintain the programs and services that are so critical to our local students."
