(Photo by Adam Studzinski/WJBC)
By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – Illinois State University President Larry Dietz says he’ll recommend no increase in tuition and room and board for the upcoming school year.
Dietz announced Wednesday he’ll make that recommendation to the ISU Board of Trustees at their May meeting. Dietz said the university has done a good job of managing resources despite limited state funding.
“We’re hopeful that by letting people know this early, students and their families, that it would inspire some confidence in Illinois State University that perhaps might be lacking right now in the state of Illinois in providing a budget,” Dietz told WJBC’s Sam Wood.
PODCAST: Listen here to President Dietz’ interview with WJBC’s Sam Wood.
The current tuition rate is about $370 per credit hour. More than 21,000 students currently attend Illinois State.
Dietz said Illinois State is in better shape than some because of good management of resources, low debt and increased private donations.
“We have planned our work and we’re working our plan at Illinois State,” Dietz added. “We’re still strong and stable. We’ve not had any furloughs or layoffs. It may be a one-year deal, but nevertheless, we think we can do this for this year and we think that the folks who are considering Illinois State will appreciate it.”
Dietz added although Illinois State is managing its resources well, state funding is still a must.
“There’s still no replacement for some state dollars,” Dietz insisted. “After all, we’re a state university and in my estimation, we deserve some state investment.”
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].
