SIU trustees review tuition, fees and retention strategies; no tuition increase proposed today
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Summary
Trustees received a campus‑by‑campus briefing on tuition, enrollment, retention and financial aid strategies. Chancellors described rising institutional discounting, improved retention (notably higher African American retention at SIUE), room‑and‑board costs and scholarship programs; the board did not vote on any tuition increases at this meeting.
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees discussed tuition and fees, enrollment trends and student‑retention strategies during its Feb. 6 meeting. Trustees were informed that no formal tuition increase was being proposed at this meeting; formal proposals are scheduled for April.
Chancellor Minor (SIUE) framed tuition choices in a competitive marketplace and cited a rise in the university’s institutional "discount rate" — the portion of tuition returned as institutional aid — from about 17% in 2016 to roughly 33% today. Minor said that competitiveness in institutional aid affects pricing decisions and enrollment strategy.
Minor highlighted retention gains, reporting first‑to‑second year retention for domestic students of about 80% and improved African American retention that recent years had lifted into the low‑to‑mid 80% range, a marked improvement from prior mid‑60s rates. He said roughly 36% of SIUE students are Pell‑eligible and that about half of those Pell‑eligible students graduate without debt. Minor also cited published room‑and‑board figures of roughly $11,231 annually.
From the Carbondale perspective, another campus speaker reviewed tuition history (noting the last increase in 2019), enrollment‑driven tuition revenue increases and the university’s use of donor‑funded scholarships and last‑dollar aid to close affordability gaps for students, particularly transfers. Both campuses emphasized donor scholarships, MAP/AIM HIGH state aid and institutional efforts that reduce student bills.
Trustees asked about competitors and recent public reports that the University of Illinois planned a 2% increase; Minor confirmed that U of I had published a 2% increase and identified Illinois State and regional public universities as primary competitors for students. Board members also discussed the forthcoming state "one‑click" admissions policy for the class of 2027; campus leaders said they expect application numbers to rise and intend to focus on yield strategies such as existing "say yes" campaigns.
The chancellors described specific retention tactics: expanding direct admission to majors, strengthening advising and using targeted donor scholarships to reduce net cost and improve yield. Trustees did not take a formal vote on tuition at this meeting; the board later moved to close the meeting for executive session on personnel and related matters.