Illinois State University staff has proposed no tuition or room and board increase for the fall semester. Trustees are likely to vote on the proposal next month.
At a trustees meeting Saturday, staff unveiled a proposal to increase the total cost of attending ISU by 1.97%. President Larry Dietz told trustees that is less than the 2-5% increase seen at three other public universities in Illinois. Several other public institutions have yet to announce their plans.
The cost for a full-time student to attend ISU would go from $24,682 to $25,169, a difference of $487 if the proposal passes. The increase comes from a $22 jump in student insurance fees and an increase in the academic enhancement fee of $15.50 per credit hour, or $186 dollars per semester.
“We have to remain in the forefront on educational technology,” said Dietz. “Virtual learning platforms are something we really need to invest in. Moving all the courses online this spring has demonstrated we need more virtual computer labs, Zoom, and other technological enhancements.”
The increase would generate an additional $7.7 million for ISU. In the last fiscal year, ISU used the technology fee money for a $5.1 million cybersecurity lab and other improvements
“Since we’re not likely to get more state money, it’s vital we continue to enhance instructional technology,” said Dietz, who acknowledged the Student Government Association did not vote in support of the plan, but typically has not supported tuition and fee increases.
The increase in cost to attend ISU would be .09% if only student health insurance passes.
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