University of Illinois Trustees have approved the first zero-percent tuition increase for in-state freshman in 20 years.
The decision at Thursday's meeting in Chicago takes effect in the fall...and comes after two years of tuition hikes keyed to the rate of inflation - or 1.7%.
Administrators say it's about attracting more in-state students, and making the U of I an attractive destination.
Trustee Ricardo Estrada say the tuition freeze will require the U of I to be more efficient in the way it uses its revenues, and to work with legislators to keep the cost of an education down:
"Make sure they understand the value of the University of Illinois, the four year guaranteed tuition, the ability to get kids to graduate at rates that are very favorable. And also, I think it's the responsibility of the board to look for other revenues for this university."
In a busy morning, trustees also formally approved the hiring of incoming President Timothy Killeen, who's expected to take over for the retiring Robert Easter in July, but may begin his job earlier.
U of I Trustees also have a new chairman, unanimously naming Republican Ed McMillan to replace outgoing Chair Chris Kennedy. Kennedy - a Democrat, expected not to be reappointed with the election of Governor Bruce Rauner.
PREVIOUS:
University of Illinois trustees are expected to freeze in-state tuition rates at the school's three campuses.
Trustees meet in Chicago on Thursday and will to vote on a plan announced last week to freeze tuition for the coming school year at current rates.
President Robert Easter said last week the university wants to make affordability a top priority.
The plan would freeze tuition at $12,036 a year in Urbana-Champaign, $10,584 at the Chicago campus and $9,405 in Springfield. State law guarantees first-year students at public universities their tuition won't increase for four years.
Tuition would increase by 2 percent for non-Illinois residents.
Tuition at universities across the country has increased sharply in recent years.
Trustees are also expected to approve Timothy L. Killeen's hiring as the next university president.
