EIU Media Relations

EIU Board of Trustees Approves 2012-2013 Tuition Rates

Eastern Illinois University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved the smallest percentage increase in new resident student tuition at EIU in 11 years.

The one-time increase for new students subject to EIU's resident tuition rate is from $269 to $279 per semester credit hour, and this rate is fixed by state law for at least four years of continuous enrollment.

The one-time increase of 3.7 percent is half the 7.4 percent increase in the CPI-U (CPI-Urban) Midwest over the past four years.  According to EIU President Bill Perry, "Past CPI increases do not predict future CPI increases, but they do give us a trend line that influences our thinking regarding tuition increases.

“Whether you consider the effect of the one-time tuition increase on a four-year basis or on equivalent annual bases, the impact is much less than the historical cost of living increase and likely future CPI increases. Paying attention to CPI data is one way we are being respectful of our students' individual or family financial situations in setting tuition."

No new fee increases were proposed at Friday’s meeting.  However, previously approved staged fee increases were presented for confirmation.

University officials consider a number of factors, such as the potential level of state funding, estimated increases in financial obligations, projected enrollment, Consumer Price Index data, and the impact of previously implemented cost containment measures, before determining a tuition recommendation to the board.

“We proposed to our Board of Trustees a tuition rate that enables continued investment in the quality of our programs, while maintaining our commitment to affordability and access to a university education second to none,” Perry said.

“We are a top-performing comprehensive university with virtually the most affordable tuition and fees in the state.  The board's action today confirms our historical and ongoing commitment to affordability, accessibility, and excellence."