Kishwaukee College President Dr. Laurie Borowicz and Interim Associate Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jessica Berek told Rotarians this week about the college’s unique “all-in” tuition model and programs designed for either career readiness or four-year college transfer.
Dr. Borowicz is in her tenth year as President and said she want to make sure all can participate in their programs of interest without financial barriers. She gave examples of an eight-year effort to reduce textbook costs and the wise use of new revenue from the recent economic development on the south side of DeKalb. But Borowicz their most innovative move was the “all-in” tuition model where there is just one charge to attend Kishwaukee College with no extra fees or charges. She said this tuition transparency helps students plan ahead for their college experience. She referenced one student’s reaction telling her this tuition policy gave them access to resources right away, so they did not have to wait to make enough money to pay a fee for essential learning tools.
Doctor Berek went through the extensive list of programs available to students to meet local job openings right away or to be prepared for additional learning through transfer to a four-year college setting. In one example, she said a student entered the school knowing he wanted to be a welder. Going through certified training he got accepted into the Boilermaker’s apprenticeship program after graduation. He now is living locally and bought a home with his job earnings. In another case, she said a student went to a four-year college but struggled to find his way. Returning to the area, he was searching for a career path when an injury exposed him to the field of radiology. He was able to take advantage of the Radiology education tract Kishwaukee College offered and his career goals are now set.
Both Borowicz and Beck stressed the college’s ability to help students pay less, enter the workforce sooner, and with limited or no debt. Details on programs and services can be found on their website at www.kish.edu.