THE enrollment rate at Northern Marianas College is projected to increase when classes open in August, according to its budget officer David DLG. Atalig.
Atalig said the economic slump is expected to “force” most parents to enroll their college-bound children to NMC—the only government-owned post-secondary institution in the CNMI—rather than to schools in the U.S.
“The economy is not good. First year students are more likely to go here than go abroad because their families don’t have extra resources to send them off-island,” Atalig said.
He added that NMC’s move to retain its current tuition rate would also entice more incoming freshmen to enroll here rather than go abroad.
“We’re not going to increase our tuition rate. It’s still $65 per unit for resident students,” Atalig said.
Tuition rate in most schools in the U.S. is relatively higher compared to NMC.
Atalig said studying at NMC is worth it because all subjects that students would take would be credited in any school in the U.S. NMC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
