Students attending Highland Community College in Freeport this fall could see a steep increase in tuition.
Trustees gave initial approval this week for an 8.5 percent tuition increase -- nearly double that of recent tuition hikes at other area community colleges.
McHenry County College raised tuition by 3 percent last summer to $96 per credit hour, and Rock Valley College by 4 percent last fall to $91 per credit hour. The tuition rates do not include additional fees for registration, technology, or activities.
Illinois Valley Community College already approved a 6 percent tuition increase to $119 per credit hour beginning this summer, according to an IVCC official. Additional registration fees and lab fees also are required.
Tuition rates also could be increased for Sauk Valley Community College students this year. According to officials at SVC, details of a tuition increase for the fall semester are being discussed.
College of DuPage trustees voted to maintain the current rate of $140 per credit hour for students within the district and $327 for out-of-district students. Those amounts include fees. Although the college has a $180 million reserve fund, the board rejected a proposal to reduce tuition.
If approved, tuition at Highland Community College would increase from $118 to $128 per credit hour. Courses that prepare students to pursue a bachelor's degree generally range from three to five credit hours, so the increase would mean a cost of $30 to $50 more per course.
The increase also would apply to senior-citizen tuition rates, resulting in a $7 increase per credit hour to $96. A final vote is expected in April.
Andrew Epstein contributed to this story.