The Power of Equitable Higher Education Funding
I was raised by three incredible women—my mother, my aunt, and my grandmother—all single mothers. Each of them had survived domestic abuse and made the courageous decision to remove us from that environment, determined to build a better future. As immigrants, they arrived in the United States with little more than hope and resilience, working tirelessly to provide for our family. From shifts at McDonald’s to long hours in tortilla factories, working in a hair salon, and even selling tamales on cold Chicago mornings, they did whatever it took to put food on the table. But even with their relentless effort, we barely had anything to eat some days.
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a cramped apartment with my siblings and cousins, life was anything but easy. With our mothers always working multiple jobs, we lacked the kind of parental supervision that many kids take for granted. The streets became our second home, bringing with them the constant threat of gang violence and the echo of gunshots through the night. Many kids in my neighborhood never made it out—some fell victim to the streets, while others gave up hope before they even had the chance to dream.
But my mother refused to let that be our story. She believed in a different future for us, where education could be our way out. That belief became the foundation for everything I would go on to achieve.
When it came time to apply for college, finances were our biggest obstacle. My family simply couldn’t afford it, and taking on massive debt felt like a risk we couldn’t bear. However, thanks to grants like the MAP Grant and several scholarships from Augustana College and other organizations, I could attend college for four years without the crushing burden of tuition. Those grants and scholarships weren’t just numbers on a financial aid package—they were lifelines, allowing me to focus on my education rather than how I would pay for it.
For me, college wasn’t just an academic experience; it was a chance to break the cycle of poverty that had defined my family for generations. It gave me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a future where I could support myself and give back to my community. Without financial aid, none of that would have been possible.
An equitable funding formula for public higher education institutions is crucial. Every student, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial barriers. Investing in scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs isn’t just about helping individuals—it’s about strengthening entire communities. When students from diverse backgrounds have access to higher education, we create a more inclusive, innovative, and equitable society.
I look at where I am today and know that programs like the MAP Grant are the reason I made it this far. But I also know that too many students are still struggling, forced to make impossible choices between tuition and basic necessities. We can and must do better.
By prioritizing equitable funding for higher education, we aren’t just supporting students—we’re investing in the future. We’re empowering leaders, change-makers, and individuals who will shape our communities in ways we can’t even imagine. When we remove financial barriers, we allow students to focus on learning, growing, and contributing to the world around them.
Higher education should not be a privilege for the few—it should be a right for all. When we invest in students, we invest in a brighter, more just future for everyone.
Aguayo, Evelyn, IL
Equal Access to Opportunity: Why I Support Equitable College Funding
Growing up, college was always at the heart of my dreams for the future. Whenever I felt frustrated with school or longed to explore new parts of the world, my parents reassured me that higher education would open endless doors if I worked hard. But as I grew, so did tuition costs. By the time I was applying to college, I realized my opportunities were far from limitless.
Despite having a college savings account, the reality was clear: attending one of the elite schools I had dreamed of would leave me with significant debt. Knowing this, I had to drastically narrow my choices to schools where I could receive a tuition exchange scholarship, a benefit available due to my parents’ employment at a small liberal arts college. I was fortunate to receive this scholarship at two schools, which meant my decision wasn’t about what school fit me best but rather about where I had financial access. I chose DePaul University, grateful for the opportunity but acutely aware that my choice was shaped by financial limitations rather than academic aspirations.
This scholarship gave me far-reaching freedom. It allowed me to focus on my education without the constant weight of financial stress and made it possible for me to pursue law school—an option that many of my friends, burdened with student loan debt, had to put on hold. Even with this advantage, I had fewer choices than I had once imagined. However, for many low-income students in Illinois, the limitations are even greater, often restricting them to just one of the state’s 12 public universities.
Not all students can—or want to—attend the University of Illinois’ flagship campus, yet it is the only state school that receives anywhere close to adequate funding. State funding covered nearly three-quarters of Illinois public university budgets two decades ago. Today, it’s less than half that, with tuition and fees making up nearly two-thirds. This shift has placed an overwhelming financial burden on students, making higher education increasingly out of reach.
As a teacher and tutor in Chicago’s public schools, I see the consequences of college’s rising unaffordability every day. Many bright, talented students disengage because they don’t believe college is a realistic option. Their dreams shrink in the face of financial barriers, limiting their futures before they’ve even had the chance to explore their potential.
An equitable funding system would transform these students’ lives. It would provide them access to well-funded colleges with the resources to support their ambitions and turn their dreams into reality. It would make higher education a possibility, not a privilege.
I share my story to illustrate a simple truth: everyone, not just those with professor parents or financial advantages, deserves accessible, high-quality higher education. Achieving this is possible with equitable funding.
Andersen, Finn, IL
A Pathway to Opportunity: The Impact of Equitable Funding on Education
Coming from a low-income background and being a first-generation college graduate, the prospect of higher education once felt unattainable—especially from a financial standpoint. The barriers weren’t just about money but also about guidance and resources. Without mentors or external support to help me navigate the process, I struggled to envision a clear path forward. College seemed like an abstract goal, something meant for others, not for someone like me.
Despite these challenges, I graduated from college—an achievement that transformed my career and life. This milestone opened doors to professional opportunities I had never imagined, ultimately leading me to a career in higher education. More importantly, it allowed me to break the cycle of limited opportunities within my family. Now, I’m in a position to provide my children with the guidance I never had, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their own futures.
The ability to pay for college made all the difference in my journey. The financial burden was sometimes daunting, but the long-term benefits outweighed the struggles. Scholarships and financial aid were not just numbers on a package of financial assistance—they were the reason I could pursue an education at all. As someone working in higher education, I see firsthand how critical financial support is for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds like mine.
The impact of equitable funding for public higher education institutions cannot be overstated. A fair and sustainable funding formula would drastically change the lives of students who face financial barriers. By ensuring that funding is distributed equitably, we can create a system where all students can access the same high-quality educational opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic status. This would level the playing field, allowing students like me to succeed without being held back by financial constraints.
Equitable funding would benefit individual students and strengthen communities and the workforce. A well-funded public education system fosters a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative society. Students from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives that enrich classrooms, workplaces, and beyond. By investing in equitable funding for higher education, we are investing in the future of our nation.
As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of financing a college education, I know how difficult it can be. Financial insecurity forces students to choose between pursuing their dreams and worrying about how to afford tuition. An equitable funding formula would alleviate some of this burden, allowing students to focus on their studies and long-term goals rather than constantly struggling to make ends meet.
Moreover, an equitable funding system would help bridge the opportunity gap in education. Many students face systemic barriers—limited access to high-quality K -12 education, financial instability, and lack of familial support—that make higher education seem out of reach. By ensuring that public colleges and universities have the resources to support all students, we can remove these obstacles and create a pathway to success for everyone, not just those who can afford it.
For students like me, equitable funding is not just a policy discussion—it’s a lifeline. It’s the difference between having access to higher education and abandoning dreams due to financial hardship. With more equitable funding, future generations will have the opportunity to thrive, just as I did, and they’ll be able to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
In conclusion, equitable funding for public higher education is essential for creating a more inclusive and fair system. It ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial circumstances. By investing in equitable funding, we are not just funding education but the future. This kind of systemic change benefits individual students and strengthens the fabric of our society as a whole.
Collins, David Michael, IL
The Weight of Tuition
Starting college felt like a dream—a fresh start filled with possibilities, new experiences, and the promise of a better future. But for me, that dream came with a harsh reality: the cost of tuition. Some days, it’s overwhelming to realize that my education isn’t just about attending classes and studying—it’s also about constantly figuring out how to afford it all.
There are moments when the weight of tuition feels heavier than my textbooks. Balancing coursework, part-time jobs, and extracurricular commitments, I constantly remind myself why I’m here—to build a better future and make an impact. Yet, the financial strain often overshadows that vision. Instead of focusing on my legal studies major or dedicating more time to advocacy work, I worry about how to cover my next tuition payment.
Being able to afford college without this constant burden would change everything. It would mean immersing myself in my education, seizing every opportunity without hesitation. It would mean not choosing between work and studying or between leadership opportunities and extra shifts.
An equitable funding formula for public higher education institutions would be transformative. It would allow students like me—the ones doing everything right yet still struggling—to succeed without financial roadblocks. Public colleges should be places for learning and growth, not survival. With adequate funding, we could see lower tuition costs, more scholarships, and expanded support services—all of which would allow students to thrive rather than merely get by.
Higher education should be a gateway to opportunity, not a financial burden that limits potential. With a more equitable system, students like me wouldn’t have to carry the stress of tuition payments on our shoulders every day. Instead, we could dedicate ourselves fully to our studies, passions, and future careers—because when students are supported, they make a difference in the world.
Hillard, Hassan, IL