It looks like the University of Illinois is aware of the higher ed bubble. Good for them.

The Chicago Tribune reports.

University of Illinois plans tuition freeze — again

For the second year in a row, University of Illinois is poised to freeze tuition for new in-state undergraduates next academic year, a decision aimed at attracting students who have been leaving the state as costs have increased and the state’s financial outlook is uncertain.

The decision carries more financial risk than last year, however, as it comes during a statewide budget stalemate now in its seventh month. Like all of Illinois’ public universities, U. of I. has not received state funding for operations since the fiscal year began in July. Based on last year’s appropriation, the state is $640 million behind in payments to the university, plus another $31 million for student financial aid.

U. of I. trustees plan to vote on the proposed tuition rates at Thursday’s board meeting in Chicago.

President Tim Killeen said he is recommending the tuition freeze despite uncertainty about state funding. Even when a budget is approved, there could be significant cuts to higher education. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner had proposed a 31 percent cut to higher education, while the budget Democrats sent to the governor included a 6.5 percent cut.

“Our financial challenges cannot detract from our core mission — opening our doors wide to provide the opportunities that propel students into life and supply the human capital that is critical to move our state forward,” Killeen said.