BUTLER TWP — It will cost more for students to attend Butler County Community College next year.

The BC3 trustees on Wednesday approved a $4 hike in tuition for Butler County students, effective July 1.

This brings the total cost of tuition and fees for in-county students to $100 per credit hour. The previous cost was $96. The full-time tuition rate will be $1,500 per semester. It previously was $1,440.

For out-of-county students, the increase will be $8, making the cost per credit $200, with the full-time tuition rate now being $3,000. For out-of-state students, the increase is $12 per credit, making the cost per credit $300, with a full-time tuition rate now being $4,500.

BC3 spokesman Susan Changnon said the main reasons for the increase are software upgrades, increasing benefit costs and the reopening of the BC3 @ Armstrong office in Ford City, which is scheduled to open July 1. The former office in Armstrong County was closed in 2005.

Last year, trustees approved a limited tuition hike of $3 per credit hour, which only affected students taking fewer than 12 or more than 17 credits.

BC3’s comprehensive fee will increase $10 per credit. Comprehensive fees will now total $41 per credit for all students.