By Kevin Lee     Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD  –  A Chicago Democrat is angry, and wants an explanationn from the University of Illinois as to why tuition is rising so fast.

State Senator Martin Sandoval says in-state students could be priced out of the school, in favor of out-of-state and international students who pay more in tuition.

The U of I is proposing a 9-percent  tuition hike for the upcoming school year.  Out of state and international students pay nearly three-times more than in-state kids.

Sandoval wants to know why.

050410Sandoval1                :11                  …how is that arrived?"

U of I President Stanley Ikenberry had said tuition raises could be as high as 20 percent, but later took back that estimate.

Sandoval wants to hold publicly question university officials to determine whether or not tuition and fee hikes have been justified. 

050410Sandoval2               :11                  …for the administrations."

U of I Board of Trustees Chairman Christopher Kennedy will discuss the cost of education with Sandoval on Thursday.