CLC raises tuition for first time in two years
Tuition for College of Lake County will rise from $81 to $90 per credit hour next year, marking the Grayslake-based school's first increase in two years.
The college's board of trustees approved the increase at a meeting Tuesday, along with higher comprehensive, continuing education and theater facility fees.
Officials point to a projected 50 percent decrease in state funding for the next fiscal year as the primary reason they need more revenue. Out-of-district tuition and out-of-state tuition will also rise by $24 and $33, respectively. The increases take effect July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.
Student Trustee Blake Hudson said students understand the board's need to raise fees after leaving them flat last year. He said there is also a consensus among students to help students in need with the $2 increase to the comprehensive fee.
Officials said that adds up to about $600,000 in additional revenue, which will go toward student support services and financial assistance.
"I'm very happy to see the (comprehensive fee increase) go to the students," Trustee Richard Anderson said. "That makes me feel a lot better about approving a fee hike in a time when the economy is in bad shape."
The comprehensive fee increase was originally slated to be $1, but President Jerry Weber said officials decided to bump it up to $2 after talking to students.
"We met with the student government association though, and they thought there were a lot of additional needs," Weber said. "Their preference was actually to add another dollar on with the understanding that it would be set aside for students."
Weber said the additional revenue could go toward student loans, tutoring and child care.
The theater facility fee will continue at $1 per ticket for events at the James Lumber Center for Performing Arts. Continuing education fees vary by course, but 19 will see increases, 68 will be unchanged and 27 new courses will have a fee.
Illinois' 39 community colleges project losing about $148 million in funding this year. Citing Illinois' budget woes, Palatine-based Harper College last week approved raising tuition from $90 to $98.50 per credit hour starting in the summer.