Illinois is rapidly losing its image as an affordable place for higher education and administrators say without state help, not much can be done.
The state received a failing grade in the subject of affordability for 2008 from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (NCPPHE), the same group that once ranked Illinois one of the most affordable places for higher education.
SIU President Glenn Poshard said the university has been dealing with declining state funds for almost a decade, which has brought increased tuition and fees for students every year.
Chancellor Sam Goldman said the cost being passed on to the public is a tragic consequence of the lack of state funds.
“The real problem is the state,” Goldman said. “ The state is pretty much all dried up.”
Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said the increase in tuition and fees is making it increasingly difficult for middle- and low-income families to afford higher education. Bost, who serves on the House Higher Education committee, said the constant increases have obstructed the university’s most important mission.
“A quality education for a very affordable price,” Bost said. “That was the goal and plan.”
According to a 2008 survey done by the NCPPHE, 67 percent of Americans believe a college education is no longer accessible to all, leaving many qualified candidates without the option of attending a college or university.
Goldman said the university has dealt with the lack of state support as well as possible. Spring semester, the university passed the lowest tuition increase since 2002, he said. In May, the Board of Trustees approved a 4.5 percent tuition increase.
“That put pressure on our budget,” Goldman said. “And we have to find ways to deal with that.”
Bost said colleges and universities most likely would not see any increases in state support until Illinois has a governor who is committed to higher education. It has to be made a priority, he said, and it hasn’t been since 2002.
Poshard said the set of circumstances before SIUC has been difficult to overcome, but he hopes things will turn around.
“I’m hoping for the best,” Poshard said.
Madeleine Leroux can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 254 or mleroux@siu.edu.
