Summer school can save $ for first-time students

June 03, 2005

Summer school can save $ for first-time students

by Tom Woolf

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Students planning to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the first time in the fall will save a tidy sum on tuition by beginning their studies this summer.

SIUC's Guaranteed Tuition Stabilization Plan offers first-time freshmen a tuition schedule that will not change for four years. By enrolling in just one, on-campus summer school course, students will lock in the current tuition rate, leading to a significant savings over the long haul.

And the selection of classes is extensive. SIUC is offering more than 1,600 – everything from the principles of ecology to accounting, chemistry, economics, geology, history, psychology, Spanish, logic, ethics and lots more.

"We always have, and continue to offer our students a tremendous educational value," Chancellor Walter V. Wendler said. "No one likes tuition increases, but circumstances have forced us – and universities statewide and nationally – to raise rates. However, spending an enjoyable summer with us on campus will give entering freshmen a jump on their coursework, smaller class sizes, and a savings of more than $1,500 over four years."

For transfer students, the savings could add up to nearly $800 over two years.

According to SIUC's Office of Records and Registration, the guaranteed tuition rate for 2004-2005, which includes summer session 2005, is $164 per credit hour. Most undergraduate students take three to six hours during the summer session.

Beginning with fall semester, the tuition rate will be $2,655, or $177 per hour for 15 credit hours or above.

Students who decide to take advantage of the savings will need to submit a new financial aid application and notify the admissions office of the switch from fall to summer. They also will want to talk with advisers about what courses are available.

The eight-week summer session begins June 13.