Benedictine University to open Rockford campus

ROCKFORD -- Residents in the northern Illinois community with the highest unemployment rate in the state could soon take a college course for free.

Benedictine University plans to open a satellite campus in downtown Rockford next year and university spokeswoman Michelle Koppitz says officials plan to offer a first course for free tuition for new students.

The four-year liberal arts college is based in Lisle.

Koppitz says while there are about a dozen education institutions around Rockford, there aren't any downtown.

She says the school will rent space and hopes classes will start in February.

Benedictine University will offer adult accelerated programs in business and education.

Rockford has a 15.7 unemployment rate.