Illinois State’s operating funds would increase 2% under the budget presented by Governor JB Pritzker during his State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. The $1.5 million increase from FY24 would provide Illinois State with a total general fund appropriation of $79.78 million for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1. If approved by the state legislature, it would mark the third consecutive year of increased appropriations for all Illinois public higher education institutions.
“We are grateful for the governor’s recommended 2% increase in higher education operating appropriations outlined in last week’s budget address,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “If approved, the increase will help offset operating cost increases due to inflation. State funding helps the University meet its commitment to keep Illinois State accessible and a great value to students, especially as the Board of Trustees recently approved holding base tuition steady for FY25.”
The governor’s proposed budget also would add $10 million to the state’s Monetary Award Program (MAP), bringing the total MAP appropriation to $711 million and improving student access to financial aid across the state. Approximately 6,400 undergraduate students at Illinois State received MAP funding for the 23-24 academic year, totaling about $44 million.
“Illinois State looks forward to productive conversations with state legislators as the state budget process moves forward,” said Director of Public Affairs and Policy Brad Franke. “The University will continue to advocate for investment in higher education in Illinois and will actively pursue state funding and legislative initiatives that support and build on our successes.”
Changes to historic inequity in our per-student appropriation, reimbursement for unfunded state mandates, and funding for much needed deferred maintenance are other legislative priorities being pursued by Illinois State staff.
