Return to the Latest

“Illinois Commitment” a Critical Step Towards Affordable College for Low-Income Illinois Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2018
Contact: Paydon Miller
(202) 734-6543 | paydon.miller@younginvincibles.org

“Illinois Commitment” a Critical Step Towards Affordable College for Low-Income Illinois Students

Chicago – Earlier today, the University of Illinois announced a new program aimed at making college more affordable for the state’s low-income students. Named the Illinois Commitment, the program will cover tuition and basic fees for in-state residents accepted to a University of Illinois school and whose family income is $61,000 or less.

In response today’s news, Erin Steva, Midwest Director for Young Invincibles, released the following statement:

“With the fifth highest tuition in the country and growing college completion gaps for Illinois’ students of color, the Illinois Commitment is a critical first step towards an affordable education for every Illinois student. With the state pursuing a goal of 60% of the population holding a postsecondary degree by 2025, these kinds of programs are more than helpful for people struggling to afford tuition – they are necessary. What’s more, 58% of current Illinois students who qualify for MAP Grants do not receive any aid, so the Illinois Commitment will help fill in the funding gaps that are making college unaffordable for otherwise eligible students.

The Illinois Commitment is a victory for Illinois’ low-income students. Yet, to truly make college accessible to all low-income families, we need to expand these programs to cover more of the cost of attendance for students and create the supports they need to succeed. To get Illinois’ economy back on the right track, we must create a debt-free pathway to a quality degree so every Illinois student can get on the path to financial security.”