by: Kerry Lippold Jr.
Just over sixteen years ago, the Prospectus published an article covering a tuition increase approved by the Parkland College Board of Trustees. While tuition increases are in no way abnormal in the college community, students of Parkland felt the need to bring attention to the subject because of the adapted norm that took place.
On Feb. 19, 2003, the board approved a tuition increase of five dollars per credit hour for in-district students, $13 per credit hour for out-of-district students and $15 per credit hour for out-of-state and international students. Why this is atypical can be explained by looking at the previous tuition increases.
In the years preceding 2003, it was typical for the college to experience an increase of about two dollars per credit hour for in-district student tuition. An increase of more than double the typical amount is a significant change that students should be aware of despite the magnitude of the arguable impact. Considering enrollment numbers were hitting record highs, I would say the impact is quite large. Some may argue the increase to be little to nothing especially by today’s standards, but these increases are taking funds from more than 10,000 students whom could spend it elsewhere.
Today, paying even $500 more each semester is something that might be overlooked considering how much students are already spending on their education. When the tuition increase of 2003 was enacted, tuition rates sat at $59, $215 and $260 dollars per credit hour for in-district, out-of-district, and out-of-state and international students, respectively.
Any college student will tell you that the current costs of going to school are not even close to that of sixteen years ago. Many Parkland students, including myself, were not even aware of the tuition increase that occurred for the 2019-2020 school year.
From the 2017-2018 fiscal year at Parkland, the administration found that no increase for the base tuition costs were necessary, therefore keeping tuition at $143.50 per credit hour. This price jump is nearly $11 per credit hour when you include additional fees.
Many classes require textbooks, equipment, technology and have additional course fees on top of the fees which are intended to support supplies for the class. For a full-time student living inside District 505, tuition about $2,000 every semester plus course fees and the occasional $300 textbook or $60 iClicker.
“As for the 2019 – 2020 school year, there were a few changes to Parkland’s tuition and fees that many students may not know of”
As for the 2019 – 2020 school year, there were a few changes to Parkland’s tuition and fees that many students may not know. For the 2019 fiscal year, tuition has risen five dollars per credit hour for in-district students and as well as the universal technology fee increase of two dollars per credit hour. Without those other course fees and required expenditures, that brings tuition and fees to $171 per credit hour for an in-district student, $363.50 per credit hour for an out-of-district students and $508.50 per credit hour for out-of-state or international students.
Parkland does have many opportunities for students to lessen the burden of their tuition but is by no means the worst college in terms of cost. Many students work for the college or one of its groups to earn scholarships. Many others apply for scholarship funds each semester. Activities like the student newspaper, athletics and student government provide scholarships. There are also opportunities for students to be rewarded for their success in high school.
Some students find themselves paying nearly $30,000 a year at certain institutions; this is an almost blinding number to think about. It is that much more surprising when you realize the same students are paying more than $15,000 to live on campus at that college.
Thankfully, Parkland continues to commit themselves to serving students, even if the expenses seem so high.
