Tuition Increase for Fall 2009

A tuition increase will be in effect starting in the fall. In addition, there will be a rise in some of the student fees. It is due to ongoing costs increasing and very little extra revenue coming in from state funds.

Tuition will increase 11.8 percent for continuing students that have been attending NEIU for more than 4 years, from $170 per credit hour (pch) to $190 pch. Graduate students and incoming freshman will see an 11.4 percent increase from $220 pch to $245 pch.

"Because of rising costs universities are turning to students to fund ongoing cost increases," said Mark Wilcockson, Vice President of Financial Affairs. "Utility costs are increasing every year, and we have five bargaining units with salary increases."

The State of Illinois has increased funding to the university 4.5 percent over the last five years. That is less than a 1 percent average increase every year. Utility costs are going up $4,000-$5,000 every year. There are no state capital funds available for maintenance. The university has estimated a 3 percent raise in salaries. Some of the bargaining units are still in negotiations.

Tuition will not increase for students who will be starting year 2-4 next fall because of the Truth in Tuition Act. The act sets tuition rates for students for four years at the cost they started at NEIU.

Three of the eight fees paid by students will see an increase. Parking, Student Computing Services and the Student Activities. Fees are going up 6.1 percent from $47 pch to $49.85 pch.

Tuition increases are not uncommon to NEIU and, according to Wilcockson, "It's happening everywhere."

Currently, the state of Illinois has a $9 billion deficit. Wilcockson speculates a capital development bill to go through the legislature; however, he does not know what that bill will look like. So, it is still unsure if the university will receive money from the state to pay for necessary maintenance.