higher education

Making Higher Education Affordable to All

Brian Mackey — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:28:14 +0000

As state funding for colleges and universities declines in Illinois, the lieutenant governor said the schools need to find ways to remain accessible to a wide range of students.

The problem is multi-faceted. The state legislature has cut support for universities in recent years. Those schools then raise tuition. That means more students rely on financial aid, but the state has been cutting that too.

House Proposal Would Cut WIU Funding

Rich Egger — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:54:06 +0000

The Illinois House is considering a 6% cut to state universities in next year's budget. That's nearly double the reduction in the budget plan that passed the Senate last week.

The dollar amount of the cuts would vary depending on the size of the institution.

Western Illinois University would lose nearly $3.4 million.

The proposal also slashes $15 million from scholarships for needy students through the Monetary Assistance Program, also known as MAP Grants.

Higher Education a Priority for Governor

Rich Egger — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:09:10 +0000

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is indicating he wants the state to help more needy college students.

Quinn will deliver his budget message on February 22. He is not releasing details yet, but said the state has to pay for priorities -- and he places higher education near the top of his list.

After a meeting with college and university presidents, Quinn called for more money to go toward financial aid.