The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has approved a request for $2.7 billion in general revenue funding for the next fiscal year, a 4.6% ($121.6 million) increase over the current budget. The proposal includes a $39.6 million boost for state universities, a $10.1 million increase for community colleges, and $55 million for AIM HIGH scholarships. Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants would rise by $50 million, bringing total MAP aid to $771.6 million.
However, the request comes as Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $30.5 million cut to this year’s higher education budget, including withholding $29.5 million lawmakers had placed in reserve. Pritzker cited economic uncertainty for the $481.6 million in overall agency spending reductions.
Union officials criticized the funding cuts and the IBHE’s budget approach, warning of likely tuition hikes and increased student debt. IBHE leaders said their budget aims to balance affordability with the state’s fiscal constraints, prioritizing investments in student aid and targeting funds to institutions with more low- and moderate-income students.
The distribution formula for new funding remains a point of debate, with advocates urging adoption of an equity-based model similar to K-12 education funding. The IBHE’s proposal will be considered by Pritzker and lawmakers as they craft next year’s budget, with the governor’s plan set to be unveiled February 18th.