By Joe Ragusa

NORMAL – Tuition at Illinois State will rise next year, but by how much is unknown.

The ISU Board of Trustees presented two options for tuition increases at Friday’s meeting: either a four-percent increase or six-percent increase for new students next year.

“Either one, frankly… would maintain our position with the other universities within the state,” ISU President Larry Dietz said.

The uncertainty is because the legislature hasn’t passed a budget yet.

ISU President Larry Dietz said students shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of a reduction in state aid, and any potential cuts would come first from the “non-human” aspects of the university.

“We would defer maintenance on projects that we’ve already deferred maintenance on,” Dietz said. “But quickly, you move into the human part of that, which is positions. The way we would start that is that we would look at vacant positions and not filling vacant positions.”

Dietz said a special board meeting will likely be called later this month to pass a tuition increase. Tuition for new in-state students rose by 2.05 percent last year.

During the board meeting Friday, the board approved $40.8 million worth of spending, including $32.9 million for phase one of the Bone Student Center revitalization project. That will be paid for mostly by reserve funds, revenue from bonds and private donations.

The board also welcomed its two newest members, Mary Ann Louderback and Bob Dobski. Dobski previously served on the board from 2008 to 2013. Both were appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in April. Outgoing student trustee Ellen Schumacher was also honored Friday.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].