PRESS RELEASE
ALBANY, Ore. – Linn-Benton Community College announced a series of measures to address a $3.5 million budget deficit for the upcoming biennium. The college will reduce staffing by eliminating five current positions and six vacant positions, resulting in a cost reduction of $2.1 million. Most staffing changes will be completed by June 30, 2025.
“These decisions were made after careful consideration of how to minimize direct impact on our students while addressing our financial responsibilities,” said LBCC President Lisa Avery. “While these reductions are challenging, we’ve approached them purposefully, ensuring that student support and educational quality remain our top priorities. I have been in constant contact with our state legislative delegation, expressing the valuable role of community colleges in our economy. We are hopeful that the state will approve adequate funding for community colleges in the next biennium and that the new federal administration will allocate funds to help Oregon students obtain the skills they need to become workforce-ready.”
A College-Wide Budget Taskforce worked collaboratively to identify areas where reductions would have the least effect on student success and retention. Core instructional programs remain intact, though some support services will be restructured or reduced.
The remaining $1.4 million deficit will be addressed through operational efficiencies, prioritized spending on core instructional needs, and additional cost-saving measures that will be implemented throughout the coming year.
During its March meeting, the Linn-Benton Community College Board of Education also approved a 4% tuition increase for the 2025-26 academic year. The increase will raise in-state tuition by $5.76 per credit hour and fees by $3.49 per credit hour.
The new tuition rates will take effect for students registering for Summer classes, which begin June 23, 2025:
- In-State Tuition: $149.80
- Out-Of-State Tuition: $348.19
LBCC remains committed to its mission of empowering students of all walks and stages of life to achieve passionate, purposeful growth, even while navigating these financial challenges.