Westmoreland County Community College students will see a $3-per-credit tuition increase for the fall semester in what was described as the smallest percentage hike in college history.

The decision by the college's trustees board this week brings tuition rates to $93 per credit for Westmoreland County students, $186 per credit for those living elsewhere in Pennsylvania, and $279 per credit for out-of-state students.

In explaining the decision, the college cited a desire to minimize price increases but said a tuition hike of some kind was necessitated by a leveling of state and county support, including a 2-year-old 10 percent reduction in the college's allocation that has not been restored.

"Even with this increase, we anticipate that WCCC will still have the lowest tuition and fees among Pennsylvania colleges and remain the best educational value in the commonwealth," college President Daniel J. Obara said.