The Yavapai College District Governing Board (DGB) approved the College’s proposed budget for 2023-2024 today at its annual budget adoption meeting.

The approved budget features funding for several strategic initiatives and improved services for students and the community, highlighted by:

• Academic initiatives, facilities, and equipment in areas of high-demand jobs in Yavapai County, such as healthcare and other career and technical education programs
• Pilot for workforce housing in Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Prescott
• Integration of immersive learning environments, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence
• Expanding Open Education Resources, which has saved YC students over $1.2 million in textbook costs since 2020
• Creating additional pathways to living-wage degrees, certificates, and industry credentials through offering baccalaureate degrees, and short-term certificates
• Improvements in customized workforce training that features industry-customized training, third-party providers, self-paced on-demand courses, and expansion of micro-credentials
• Increase competency-based courses which focus on students’ abilities to master specific skills
• Increase partnerships with local K-12 districts to expand Early College Academy services

For the second time since 2018, the DGB approved an increase in primary property tax levy for Yavapai County residents. The approved increase is $2,553,300, or a 5% increase in the primary property tax levy. With the 5% increase, property owners in Yavapai County will pay an additional estimate of $7 in property taxes per $100,000 of home value. Even with this tax increase, county homeowners and businesses still enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the country.

YC remains one of the greatest values in the state for higher education. YC’s base tuition rate is $103 per credit hour, and YC has no hidden course fees. Full-time students receive a discount and only pay $1,236 for a 15-credit semester.

Students can save an estimated $19,000 by attending Yavapai College for their first and second years rather than attending a four-year AZ university.

YC fills the needs of students of all ages through learning and training opportunities, as well as community partnerships. The College serves as a stimulus for economic development, with over 165,000 graduates who have received a certificate or degree, many of whom still live and work in Yavapai County.

Investing in Yavapai College results in return for the local economy. By ensuring that the College’s campuses and centers remain modern and relevant learning environments and simultaneously educating individuals for high-demand, living wage jobs, Yavapai College is fulfilling the needs of its communities.

*Arizonans receive $7.20 of economic return for every $1 invested in the College.

*Overall, Yavapai College annually adds $160.1M in income to the Yavapai County economy. This impact from the college alone is twice as large as the entire arts, entertainment, and recreational industry in the county combined.

*Data from 2017-2018 FY Economic Impact Study

Yavapai College offers dozens of degree and certificate programs in Career and Technical Education, Health and Wellness, Arts and Humanities, Business and Computer Systems, Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Lifelong Learning opportunities for all ages. YC operates campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale and centers near Prescott Airport, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Sedona.

All information regarding the Yavapai College District Governing Board, including future meetings, which are always open to the public, can be found at District Governing Board.

Further details on the fiscal 2023-2024 budget can be found at YC Budget.