SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — JB Pritzker is proposing a $2.7 billion higher education budget for fiscal year 2027, continuing investments aimed at improving college affordability and access across Illinois.

Presented to the Illinois General Assembly earlier this week, the governor’s plan includes a 1% increase in operating funding for public universities — totaling $13 million — and a 1% increase for community colleges, adult education and career and technical education programs, totaling $3 million.

A cornerstone of the proposal is continued support for student financial aid. The budget allocates $721.6 million to maintain funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and $50 million for AIM HIGH grants, for a combined $771.6 million projected to support approximately 158,700 students annually.

According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, 44% of in-state public university undergraduates paid no tuition or fees out-of-pocket in fiscal year 2025, up from 25% in 2019. More than half — 52% — paid 25% or less of the published tuition and fee rate after financial aid. Among Pell Grant-eligible students, more than 78% paid zero out-of-pocket, a significant increase from 45% in 2018.

“With federal funding cuts putting strain on the state’s budget, the governor is still proposing increases for higher education institutions and sustained funding for MAP and AIM HIGH,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “These investments ensure students have access to an affordable and quality education.”

The proposal also maintains funding for workforce and student success initiatives, including $7 million for the Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program, $8 million for the Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program, $5 million for Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity scholarships and continued support for dual-credit and workforce grants at community colleges.

Leaders from the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission praised the plan, citing its impact on affordability and workforce development. ISAC officials noted that since fiscal year 2019, a $320 million increase in MAP funding has helped raise the maximum award from $4,869 to $8,064 and expand access to more than 21,000 additional students.

The proposed budget now heads to the Illinois General Assembly for consideration.