With tuition rates going up, some students right here at Lewis and Clark are having to resort to food pantries so they can continue to go to school and pay the bills.
“It’s not rare – not everyday, but I would say twice a month,” said Counselor Renee Bauer.
Tuition rates are currently $101 per credit hour for in-district students, $303 per credit hour for out-of-district students, $404 per credit hour for out-of-state and $404 per credit hour for international students. Online courses are $122 per credit hours maximum.
A full-time student pays around $3,000 a year for school at L&C. Tuition at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville costs $7,296 for in-state residents and premier scholars. The cost of tuition is also making it difficult for some students who want to transfer to a university. The total amount of tuition at Blackburn College, for a student who doesn’t live in a dorm, is $15,866.
Some agencies take into account how many people are living together, and if they are single or have children.
Any students who wish to donate foods can contact local agencies and supply them with non-perishable food such as can goods. Students and the community can donate clothes and other supplies that don’t get used, such as baby supplies.
There are many food pantries in L&C’s district that provide help to those students in need. One is the Crisis Food Center, 21 E. 6th St., Alton. Their phone number is (618) 462-8201.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Anyone who goes to this food pantry must have proof of residence (mail), a photo ID and a social security card in order to receive food.
krulison@lc.edu
