West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved rate increases for new students at the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses, saying the increases would even up fees between the two and help pay for student services.

Tuition fees for incoming students will remain the same because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a report in News3 said. The rate will remain $296.10 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $339.82 for graduate students.

Trustees also voted not to increase student room, board and meal fees for the coming year which amount to about $9,800. They did raise fees for new Macomb campus students by $1.91 for in-person or online instruction, from $92.78 per credit hour to $94.69. The rate hike for Macomb students is to improve student activities, facilities, technology and transit. 

The college newspaper The Western Courier will be moved from a print publication to online, saving students a yearly $18.90 subscription fee, the report said.

At the Quad Cities campus in Moline, a $42.44 per credit hour increase was approved. WIU officials said the increase is intended to upgrade and expand services for students on the campus and will be phased in over four years. The goal is to have the Quad Cities students paying the same rates as those on the Macomb campus.

WIU interim President Martin Abraham said a uniform standardized system of fees between the two campuses is desirable.

“I appreciate the concern expressed by students in the Quad Cities campus that they cannot take advantage of the services provided,” Abraham said. “However, there are many ways to distinguish specific groups of students and all students are asked to pay these fees, regardless of whether they use the services. Quad Cities students point out that they are mostly commuter students, so to are many of the Macomb students. Our objective is to have one university with all students choosing from a set of services that best meet their individual needs.”