It’s not uncommon for the cost of post-secondary education tuition to increase every year, and this year was no exception. However, we applaud the University System of Georgia (USG) for doing everything it can to keep those tuition increases local for local students.

Earlier this week, the USG announced that students at 32 institutions —including Bainbridge College — will see a tuition increase of just 2.5 percent next year. This is the lowest percentage increase since 2003, and equates to approximately $31 per semester for full-time Bainbridge College students. The increase will begin in the fall 2012 semester.

Having options for affordable education is always important, but it’s especially important when the economy is down. Citizens need the chance to attain additional education, and the job opportunities and higher paychecks it can bring.

We realize that tuition increases are necessary, because every year brings new programs and initiatives that must be funded. But we thank the USG for doing its part to make sure that increase is as small as possible and will still allow local students to afford post-secondary education.