Illinois Tuition Costs Drive Students Away: Third Highest Tuition in the US

Illinois has been facing a significant issue with its high tuition costs, resulting in a growing outmigration of students seeking higher education. Rising Tuition Costs The average in-state tuition in Illinois has surged by 49% over the past 15 years, making it the state with the third-highest tuition costs in the country. According to a recent survey by the Illinois Policy Institute, the average in-state tuition at the state's 12 public universities now exceeds $15,000, which is more than $5,000 higher than the national average. Dylan Sharkey from the Illinois Policy Institute pointed out that despite the high costs, Illinois doesn't rank in the top 10 for any college criteria set by U.S. News and World Report. Sharkey attributed the soaring tuition costs to the state university pension plans, which are expected to consume a significant portion of the higher education budget in the coming years. State Budget Allocation In the recent budget, $2.6 billion has been allocated for higher education, with an increase of nearly $76 million from the previous fiscal year. A portion of this increase will go towards operating funds for public universities and community colleges. However, Sharkey raised concerns about the lack of taxpayer money being reinvested in the classroom, leading to a continuous exodus of students from the state. Addressing Outmigration Concerns Governor J.B. Pritzker acknowledged the problem of college-bound students leaving Illinois and approved a $10 million increase in tax dollars for the Monetary Award Program, benefiting income-eligible Illinois students. Despite these efforts, the issue of outmigration remains a pressing concern for the state, with young people opting to pursue higher education in states with lower tuition costs. Call for Action Sharkey emphasized the need for lawmakers to address the escalating tuition costs that are driving young people away from Illinois. He urged policymakers to take action to prevent further outmigration and retain the state's talented youth. With Illinois having the highest in-state tuition among the 10 most populous states in the country, urgent measures are required to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students in the Land of Lincoln.