COD Board Approves Tuition Increase for Fall 2012 Semester
By Jennifer Duda
Facing continued uncertain state funding, a relatively frozen property tax revenue base, increased insurance/ultility/salary costs and other challenges, the College of DuPage Board of Trustees at their Feb. 21 meeting authorized a 3 percent tuition increase effective for the fall 2012 semester.
The $4 increase raises tuition and fees from $132 per semester hour to $136 for in-district students and from $319 to $323 for out-of-district residents.
"The reality of the situation is that the 33 percent in operating funds the state is supposed to provide is really 8 percent or less," Board Chairman David Carlin said. "We're seeing increases in salaries, health insurance/fuel costs and potentially $17 million in pension payments the state is considering pushing onto local school districts."
College of DuPage President Robert L. Breuder said the College is not alone, citing recent increases at Harper College ($4), Triton College ($5), Elgin Community College ($6) and Prairie State ($8 to $10). Community colleges are still the best bargain in higher education and there is no compromise in academic excellence.
"Recommending a tuition increase is never something I take lightly," Dr. Breuder said.
"But the reality is the state does not live up to its statutory funding obligation.
Along with local tax revenue and our on-going cost-containment measures, some of the
gap must be filled by the primary beneficiaries of our programs and services: students."
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn IL
60137 (630) 942-2800
2012 College of DuPage
