CSU Commends the General Assembly’s Investment in Higher Education

Approved Budget Strengthens Higher Education Access for Underrepresented Students

On May 27, the Illinois General Assembly passed the fiscal year 2024 state budget, which now heads to Governor Pritkzer. This budget makes important investments in the state’s higher education system and students. Illinois four-year public universities, which includes Chicago State University (CSU), received a 7% increase in funding for fiscal year 2024 relative to the current year’s budget. As a result, CSU will receive an additional $2.6 million next fiscal year.

At a time when Black student and low-income student enrollment declined 37% and 36%, respectively, in Illinois since 2013,^[1] the General Assembly improved access to higher education by strengthening student financial aid. The fiscal year 2024 budget expanded the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant program for low-income students by $100 million. The budget also made permanent the Illinois resident AIM HIGH Scholarship program and increased the award available by $15 million. Together, these financial investments align with the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Thriving Illinois strategic plan for creating a more equitable higher education system.  

“I want to praise the work of the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker for the unyielding commitment to higher education. More students will be able to access and complete a college degree thanks to their investments in our public higher education system,” said Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq., President of Chicago State University. “Our Illinois public universities are a valuable asset to the Illinois economy. CSU’s 2021 Economic Impact Study determined that CSU generates $1.6 billion in income to Illinois’ economy annually and results in CSU graduates earning an additional $843,000 over the course of their careers. This budget recognizes higher education’s transformative power to positively impact our economy and families.”

Notably, during the legislative session, leaders of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Representative LaShawn Ford and Representative Carol Ammons, highlighted the urgent need for added financial support designed to reverse historic underfunding of public higher education institutions like Chicago State University. The university continues to be recognized for its unwavering commitment to improved access and completion of a college for all Illinois students. 

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^[1] IBHE Senate Appropriations Hearing March 2023