EIU Media Relations

EIU leaders applaud Illinois higher education budget proposal

Firm reinvestment in higher education a “critical component of a thriving Illinois”

(Charleston, IL) – Today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker office outlined his Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal, and the higher education component of the plan is receiving high praise from leaders at Eastern Illinois University.

“Today’s budget proposal is a win for Illinois, for Illinois higher education, and the Illinois economy,” said EIU President Dr. David Glassman. “We applaud the Governor’s Office and IBHE for their unwavering commitment to higher education across the State. Today’s proposal increases student and family access to higher education, provides critical institutional and programmatic supports, creates high-impact incentives for Illinois graduates to work in and contribute to the Illinois economy, and continues to supply Illinois with skilled workers across critical industries like healthcare, K-12 education, and information technology—including public service professionals like first responders and mental health specialists.”

Specific to higher education, the Governor’s budget proposal includes the following:

• Continued AIM HIGH annual funding of $35 million to support keeping Illinois high school graduates in Illinois for their higher education experience.
• A $100 million increase (to $701 million) in Monetary Award Program (MAP funding)—grant funding that does not need to be repaid and is made available to eligible Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need.
• A 7 percent or $219 million increase (to $2.47 billion) in general operating funds for Illinois’ public universities to continue closing equity gaps in access, persistence and completion.
• Continued funding toward the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, which improves capacity to provide mental health treatment and peer support to students, as well as help identify students in need.
• A variety of additional mechanisms and funding incentives that support adult education, career and technical education, and the recruitment and retention of minority teachers.  

“Today’s proposal recognizes higher education as a critical component of a thriving Illinois,” Glassman added. “This historic investment in Illinois higher education will further support our students and reinforce shared economic interests and initiatives across the State.”