COD approves $1-per-credit-hour tuition increase

For the second time in two years, the price of tuition at the College of DuPage will be rising by $1 per credit hour.

Board members at the Glen Ellyn-based community college recently voted to increase tuition to $137 per credit hour for in-district students, $324 for out-of-district students and $394 for out-of-state students. The change will take effect in the fall.

Officials said in a statement that the latest increase is needed to address "various initiatives in support of student success" and to maintain the college's "healthy fund reserve."

The $1-per-credit-hour increase is in line with a similar hike last fall, which came after the COD board lowered the tuition rate a total of $9 per credit hour to $135 between fiscal year 2015 and fiscal 2016. Tuition then was kept flat for three consecutive years.

Interim President Brian Caputo said in a statement that the "moderate" increases are needed as college leaders deal with a low level of state funding.

"We continue to enhance student success by offering a high-quality education at an affordable price," Caputo said. "It is important to note that, even with the modest increase, COD's tuition rate will be substantially below the average for Illinois community colleges," he said.

The tuition increase is expected to generate an estimated $450,000 in additional revenue, officials said.

Board Chairman Frank Napolitano said the school remains committed to providing an affordable education to students.

"To the extent possible, we believe it is prudent to make small, gradual adjustments to our tuition rate, rather than pursuing large increases at irregular intervals," he said in a statement. "Taking this approach minimizes the impact to our students and ensures our ability as an institution to meet the needs of those we serve both in the present and the future."

Last week's vote on the tuition came as COD leaders are working on the school's operating budget for fiscal 2020. The spending plan doesn't need to be approved until the end of June.

COD's proposed budget is expected to be made public in May. The board will hold a public hearing before voting on the final budget in June, with fiscal 2020 beginning July 1.