By: Jennifer Duda
Continuing their commitment to student success balanced with fiduciary responsibilities to local taxpayers, the College of DuPage Board of Trustees April 3 authorized a 2.9 percent in-district tuition increase for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Costs for out-of-district and out-of-state/international students will increase 6.1 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
Tuition and fees will be $144 per credit hour for in-district residents, $347 for out-of-district students and $417 for out-of-state students, beginning with the fall 2023 semester.
The College previously held tuition levels due to the ongoing pandemic and economic struggles. While appropriate at the time, College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo said the increase is necessary to ensure the institution’s sustainability.
“Our ability to support student success hinges on our ability to cover ongoing operating costs and provide resources to our students and the community,” he said. “This increase brings the College closer in alignment with comparable area community colleges and allows the institution to continue its commitment to higher education while addressing rapid inflation and its projected impact on our budget.”
The Board also directed the administration to increase emergency funding for students experiencing financial hardships and cannot afford access to higher education.
COD Board Chair Maureen Dunne said the College’s emphasis remains on student success.
“We do not take the issue of raising tuition lightly,” she said. “Despite the increase, we will be significantly underpriced relative to other community colleges and realize the value of our resources and the expertise of our faculty. However, we are sensitive to how this impacts our students, especially those not eligible for Pell Grants, and will continue to offer additional funding sources to help offset those challenges.”