Brewton-Parker College has slashed tuition rates in an attempt to help people afford higher education.

The price has dropped from $450 per credit hour to $215 per credit hour, cutting overall tuition costs nearly in half.

"There were a lot factors," Chris Jeancake, director of the Liberty County campus, said. "We really wanted to open our doors to new students."

Jeancake said the economy was one of the major factors in making the decision. He said the school is trying to ensure that people in the community can still afford to continue their education if they want to.

The school is still accepting applicants for the fall semester.

"We’re hoping to have applications by Aug. 1," Jeancake said. "We’ll accept them after that, but it will be harder on the student."

Jeancake said the school also has made some significant changes regarding fall course offerings.

"The education program has changed a great deal in the past year or so," Jeancake said. He added that a more universal teaching certification is now available.

The college also offers a variety of what Jeancake calls hybrid classes, which incorporate both online and in-class interaction. He said these types of classes are geared toward students with full-time jobs or families.

For more information, go to www.bpc.edu.