Despite decreases in state funding, Parkland has been able to reduce costs elsewhere in order to hold tuition rates for 2020-2021 at the same rates as in 2019-2020. They are also implementing a plan called Cobra Comeback to help returning students address any financial holds they may have. From the press release:
Parkland in-district rates will remain at $148.50 per credit hour (all Tier One courses) for the 2020-2021 academic year, the Parkland College Board of Trustees announced at its regular meeting Wednesday. Parkland President Tom Ramage made the recommendation not to increase tuition rates based on a careful analysis of projected revenues and expenditures.
Along with freezing tuition rates for next year, the Board of Trustees approved a new debt forgiveness program, called Cobra Comeback, which will allow former students a chance to restart their education at Parkland by removing financial holds preventing registration.
For each course in which these returning students earn a C or higher, the cost of current tuition per credit hour will be removed from their past-due balance, according to Dean of Enrollment Management Kristin Smigielski. Eligibility for the Cobra Comeback program also includes:
- good academic standing
- debt of no more than $2,000
- non-enrollment at Parkland during the past academic year
Photo by Sam Logan