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" T-in-T is a paltry political move by a weak governor who is covering the fact that he has no leadership ability to drive sound fiscal policy that provides the necessary resources to the state. T-in-T constrains the state’s higher education financial apparatus which pressures institutions to push operating costs to new and increased student fees. Student fees are designed to provide resources for ancillary campus services that students collectively deem relevant (e.g., student activity fees for clubs). Institutions are, in effect, arbitrarily reallocating these resources to cover budget deficits caused from diminishing state support. An earlier version of this policy worked well at WIU where it covered the total cost of attendance for undergraduate and graduate students, which included fees and housing. The purpose for T-in-T is to control increasing costs so Illinoisan families can budget for their student’s higher education. T-in-T does not control costs as institutions are still at liberty to increase fees. Additionally, graduate students, transfer students, and students enrolled in programs that require 4+ years are not covered under the tuition freeze policy. "

" but give the state props for trying to take steps in the right direction. now about my $1,250 per semester (this year, at least... more next) fees at UIUC... "

" This journalist forgot to do his homework. The story clearly states that because of the truth in tuition law, students will save money by attending a 4-year college instead of a 2-year college. NOT true! The student profiled in the story is now a junior, so would have been a freshman in 2005-6 and sophomore in 2006-7. In those years, Heartland's tuition for a full-time student enrolled in 30 hours over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters would have been $1890 and $2100. At Illinois State, the same student would have paid $7091 each year (due to the law). In year 1, then, the student would save $5201 by attending Heartland and $3101 in year 2, for a total savings of $8302. Now, tuition and fees at Illinois are $9020. In order to "save money" by attending ISU first, Heartland's tuition would have to increase by almost 4 times - an amount of high it would be prohibited by state law. I recommend the Pantagraph post another story documenting this error and then take steps to ensure that journalists base their stories on evidence and research, not anecdote and heresay. "

" Can you take some classes at Heartland while you are taking classes at ISU? I believe I have. Enroll, take classes both places, trf your credits and save money both places. It is silly to pay more now to keep from paying more later. You are getting ripped off either way. "

" This program is not as good as it sounds. The freeze in tuition rates do not apply to graduate students. Many college students today take 5 years to graduate and during there fifth year their tuition bill sky rockets! Student Fees are not frozen. Every year the cost of student fees increase. Room and board rates are not frozen. Every year the cost of room and board rates increase. Other things that continue to increase every year include: parking, books, health insurance, athletic tickets, etc... "