October 20, 2008

SIUC to offer in-state tuition in three border states

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today (Oct. 20) gave informal approval to a plan for SIU Carbondale to offer in-state tuition rates to college-bound high school students residing in Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana.

The plan, targeted to next year’s entering freshman class, will be in effect for the academic school year beginning in August 2009.

The SIUC effort is part of an overall comprehensive student recruiting strategy aimed at increasing enrollment. The in-state tuition rate is expected to level the recruiting playing field that currently exists with out-of-state public universities offering the same benefit to Illinois residents.

“Southern Illinois University Carbondale is geographically located in an area of the state where competition for college-bound high school students is keen,” SIU President Glenn Poshard said. “Major population centers in each of these states are located directly across the Illinois border, yet excessive financial barriers exist to recruiting students who we know have a strong interest in attending a comprehensive research university.”

The plan would mean a nearly $10,000 annual savings for the cost of an out-of-state undergraduate student attending SIUC.

Further details will be unveiled at the board’s December meeting. A similar plan being proposed by SIU Edwardsville is expected to be approved by trustees in December.

(Note: For more information, contact Dave Gross, 217/545-8080.)