College of DuPage board freezes student tuition

College of DuPage will keep tuition flat for the next academic year, but school officials are recommending gradual increases in future years beginning with the fall 2022 term.

The board of trustees agreed to the one-year tuition freeze. Tuition and fees at the state's largest community college will hold steady at $138 per credit hour for in-district residents. Tuition will cost $325 per credit hour for Illinois students coming from outside the district for the 2021-22 year.

"We are mindful that recovery includes overcoming financial hardships resulting from the pandemic," COD President Brian Caputo said in a statement. "With student success at the forefront of our institution, this one-year tuition freeze is designed to ease a portion of the burden while encouraging our students on their educational journeys."

College officials also are finalizing an annual operating budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The spending plan is expected to be made public in May. The board will hold a public hearing before voting on the final budget in June.