JJC Administration Proposes Tuition Increase Amidst Future Budget Concerns

JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026

Article Summary: Joliet Junior College (JJC) administration presented a three-year financial plan that relies on a proposed $3 per credit hour tuition increase to maintain a balanced budget in 2027. Trustees expressed hesitation regarding the hike, citing concerns about student affordability and enrollment retention.

JJC Financial Plan Key Points:

• Proposed Increase: The plan includes a $3 per credit hour increase for fiscal year 2027, bringing the tuition rate to $119 (excluding fees).

• Total Cost: With fees included, the total cost per credit hour would rise to roughly $151, which remains below the state average of nearly $165.

• Budget Outlook: While FY27 is projected to be balanced, the college forecasts a structural deficit growing by approximately $900,000 annually in FY28 and FY29 if current trends continue.

• Cost Drivers: Personnel costs account for 78% of the operating budget, with health care costs assumed to rise by 6%.

JOLIET — The administration at Joliet Junior College recommended a $3 per credit hour tuition increase during a Board of Trustees workshop on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Executive Vice President Dr. Yolanda Farmer and Executive Director of Financial Services Jeff Heap presented the college’s three-year financial plan. They argued the increase is a “measured” and “responsible” adjustment necessary to keep up with inflation and personnel costs while preserving instructional quality.

“This recommendation is very measured… It’s an adjustment and we recognize that,” Farmer said. She noted that for a typical student, the increase amounts to approximately $36 per year.

Heap presented data showing that even with the increase, JJC would remain in the bottom quartile of costs among Illinois community colleges. He noted that other regional colleges are considering increases ranging from $3 to $10.

However, several trustees pushed back against the proposal. Trustee Patricia “Pat” Broderick voiced concern about the cumulative effect of raising tuition, fearing it could drive students away, particularly those from the Lincoln-Way area who might choose other institutions due to proximity or cost.

“I don’t want to see us keep increasing, increasing, increasing tuition,” Broderick said. “I’m here for the students… I don’t want to see it elevated so high that they say, ‘Oh, forget it. I don’t want to go there.'”

Student Trustee Brenton Bishop also advocated on behalf of the student body, requesting that “every reasonable effort” be made to cut costs before raising tuition.

“Students are already struggling systemically regardless of a 33% FAFSA receivable rate. It’s still a pretty large ask,” Bishop said.

Trustee Alicia Morales questioned whether the college had explored other cost-saving measures used by other institutions during economic downturns, such as hiring freezes or furloughs, though she noted she would not support furloughs for lower-income employees.

Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC President, emphasized that the budget process is just beginning and that the administration is committed to exploring efficiencies. He noted that the college has delivered a balanced budget for 54 consecutive years.

The proposed tuition increase is expected to be brought to the board for a formal vote in February.