Lake Land College students could see a small increase in tuition next year.

The college is proposing a 3.25 percent increase in tuition and fees for the 2026–2027 academic year. The measure is scheduled to go before the Lake Land College Board of Trustees during its regular March meeting on Monday.

If approved, in-district tuition would increase by five dollars per credit hour. Fees would remain unchanged, bringing the total cost to 159 dollars per credit hour.

For a full-time in-district student taking 30 credit hours during the academic year, that would bring the total cost to 4,770 dollars — about 150 dollars more than the current year.

College officials say the increase will still keep Lake Land among the most affordable community colleges in Illinois. During the current school year, the average tuition and fees at Illinois community colleges is nearly 4,943 dollars, while the average tuition at Illinois public universities tops 16,000 dollars.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock says the increase will help the college continue providing high-quality programs while keeping education accessible and affordable for students.

Officials also note that students benefit from a textbook rental program included in tuition and fees, which can save up to 1,400 dollars a year. In addition, the Lake Land College Foundation awards more than 500-thousand dollars in scholarships annually, and about 81 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance.

If approved, the new tuition rate would take effect beginning with the Summer 2026 semester.