The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees approved the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget during their June meeting. The approved budget marks the 52nd consecutive year of a balanced budget for the College and is well positioned to support continued momentum for JJC.

As JJC president Dr. Clyne Namuo presented the budget to the Board of Trustees for approval, he emphasized the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in essential educational programs, student services and campus infrastructure.

“This year’s budget represents collaboration across all departments and careful planning for the year ahead,” said Namuo. “Within it you will find key strategic investments that align with our strategic plan and ultimately, the impact we have on the communities we serve. This budget, while it represents a lot of careful planning, also represents an ambitious agenda in several ways.”

Highlights for strategic initiatives included in the FY25 budget are:
•    The addition of a student mental health and wellness director and additional academic advisors to bolster academic and mental health support services for students.
•    Funding for the president’s design thinking initiative, which challenges college leadership to design and test solutions-based approaches to challenges and reimagine the delivery         of education and support services.
•    Facility updates to classrooms and student common areas and enhanced exterior building wayfinding.

The approved operating budget totals $116.8 million, reflecting a 5.18% increase over FY24. JJC expects a 1.5% increase in student enrollment for billed credit hours in FY25. Revenue from tuition and fees is predicted to rise by 3.2% compared to last year’s budget, thanks to more students and a boost in dual-credit enrollment. The tuition and fee rate will remain the same at $151 per credit hour for the second consecutive year. The new fiscal year began July 1.

Within the state budget, JJC has been allocated $1.7 million in funds for capital improvements. Projects include building repairs and utility upgrades and a $250,000 allocation for the construction of a comprehensive mental health and wellness facility within existing campus space.

Dr. Namuo expressed appreciation for the state's investment, noting it will enhance JJC's ability to provide comprehensive services and maintain its commitment to transformative education and student wellness.

More information about the budget planning process and presentations to the Board can be found by visiting JJC’s website and viewing Board of Trustee meeting recordings.

Founded in 1901, Joliet Junior College is the nation’s first public community college. Serving over 35,000 students annually, JJC offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs, workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities. Joliet Junior College strengthens communities, inspires learning and transforms lives. For more information, visit jjc.edu. Contact katherine.smith@jjc.edu for media inquiries.