More MPCC students from area high schools

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — More recent high school graduates from area schools are choosing to attend Mid Plains Community College campuses, according to a college official.

Kelly Rippen, area vice president of student affairs, told the board of governors Wednesday night that 17% more students from the 36 area high schools are choosing MPCC.

Graduation rates jumped from 34 to 48 percent, and the cohort default rate dropped from 18% to 12%, with full time retention rates holding steady.

On the flip side, fall enrollment is down 3.8% compared to last year at this time, a change that follows state and national enrollment trends.

To keep up with rising costs, the board approved an increase of room rates by $35 per semester, an increase in the 14-meal plan and paramedic meal plans by $25 per semester, and a hike in the 19-meal plan by $30 per semester for the 2020-21 academic year.

Also approved were a $2 increase in resident tuition to $96, a $3 increase in non-resident tuition to $125 and a $1 increase in senior tuition to $34 for the 2020-21 year.

Major expenditures approved included the upgrade and replacement of the building management system in the Health and Science Center on the North Platte Community College south campus for $109,985; and $103,087.95 for Transact Quadpoint software and hardware for point-of-sale credit card use, campus ID cards and sales tracking, a five-year contract.

The board also approved the purchase of obstetric nursing simulators for $110,649.15 for the Health Care Education program..

The board also accepted a clean audit report from Dana F. Cole and Co. LLP ffor 2018-19, and following a closed session to discuss real estate and negotiations, reconvened in open session to take no action.

The next meeting is Dec. 18 in North Platte.