Universities Offer In-State Tuition Across State Lines

Colleges and universities are struggling to attract students and keep costs manageable.  While many, including most Kentucky institutions, have raised tuition rates, others are looking beyond state borders to lure students.  Southern Illinois University in Carbondale recently announced it would extend in-state tuition rates to Kentucky residents.  And it’s not the first in the area to try the approach.  Spokesman Rod Sievers says it makes sense to tap nearby population centers.“The university is in sort of a unique geographic location.  Chicago is 6 hours to the north, to the south, much closer, half the distance, is Nashville," says Sievers.Kentucky’s public universities are also struggling to attract students.  Despite a statewide goal to double the number of college graduates, Fall 2008 enrollment was up just under one percent.