The administrators and Board of Trustees at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) believe that affordability is a major concern for the school and students when it comes to tuition.

The continually increasing tuition over the past 20 years has been a problem with students undergoing financial difficulties.

According to Jamie Marie McFarling, associate director of Undergraduate Admissions at UIUC, the Illinois General Assembly decided to change the tuition model in 2004, resulting in the “guaranteed tuition program.”

“[The program] ensures that all new students admitted to a baccalaureate program receive a four-year guaranteed tuition schedule, listing the tuition for each major,” said McFarling. “Students pay the rate on that schedule all four years.”

If a student were to switch the field of study, the rate would change to the appropriate rate for the new major.

Compared to the base rate of $11,834 at UIUC, other in state colleges such as Oakton Community College and University of Illinois at Chicago are less expensive. However, for Northbrook residents, who get in-state tuition, the tuition cost at UIUC is less expensive than at out-of-state colleges such as Indiana University and University of Michigan.

McFarling said that the tuition has increased the smallest amount in 20 years as the Board of Trustees voted to increase the tuition by 1.7 percent and housing by 3 percent.

According to McFarling, the administrators, Board of Trustees and she “try to change the school to a more affordable institution.”

Senior Cheyenne Deegan, who was informed by the news about UIUC’s smallest tuition increase, acknowledges the importance of tuition in her college planning. She said that this may encourage more students to attend the college.

“[The school administrators and Board of Trustees] know that affordability is a leading factor in a student’s decision,” McFarling said.

She hopes that this new tuition program will make Illinois an option for students who wish to enroll.