Our Mission

For years, Illinois has underfunded its public universities, making it harder for many students—especially Black, Latino, and low-income students—to afford and complete college. To confront this problem, the state created the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding through Senate Bill 815 in 2021. The Commission was charged with recommending at a minimum “specific data-driven criteria and approaches to the General Assembly to adequately, equitably, and stably fund public universities in this State and to evaluate existing funding methods.”

Why Change Is Needed

Recent findings show Illinois underfunds its public universities by about $1.4 billion, leaving students to shoulder more of the cost and limiting the support universities can provide. Enrollment has dropped in recent years while tuition has continued to rise due to declining state support. The Commission recommends a new, equity-focused funding model that would give each university the resources it needs based on its students and mission. This approach would reduce institutional reliance tuition and help ensure all students can affordably access public higher education, get the evidenced-based support they need to thrive, and graduate.

Momentum for a Fairer System

Following the release of the recommendations, Illinois legislative Black Caucus members Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford and Representative Carol Ammons got work turning these recommendations into action: The Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (SB13/HB1581) propose a statewide formula with clear goals, transparency, and accountability. 

Our Coalition: Putting Students First

The Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding brings together students, universities, and community partners to push for a fair, stable, and student-centered funding system.

Join Us

We meet monthly, track legislative progress, and mobilize advocates across the state. Together, we’re fighting for a future where every student in Illinois can access any public university in the state and access the support they need to thrive and graduate!

Guiding Principles

Members of the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education believe a new public university funding model for Illinois’ public universities must include these guiding principles:

Be student driven and student-centered

  • Center the needs of the whole student as well as expand access for both aspiring and current college students, with particular attention to the unique needs of diverse populations
  • Boost student voice and experience to allow for a collective understanding of issues that matter most to the student population

Prioritize equity to drive transformation in access and opportunity

  • Any new funding model removes systemic barriers to access, affordability, and completion across race, socioeconomic status
  • Prioritize increased student enrollment, persistence, retention, and graduation rates particularly among Black, Latinx, students from low-income backgrounds, and those historically excluded from or underserved by higher education

Cultivate a healthy, diverse and stable higher education system

  • Provide equitable distribution of state resources to ensure that Illinois maintains a diverse landscape of public universities that can meet the needs of students, especially those historically underrepresented, across all areas/geographies of the state
  • Fund institutions in a way that prioritizes sustainability

Adequately fund institutions to meet diverse student needs

  • Any investments made to the higher education system must prioritize Latinx, Black, first-generation students, and students of low income backgrounds
  • Institutions are welcoming environments that are prepared to adequately support students of diverse identities (race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, geographic location, age, diverse learners, etc.), upon entry
  • Ensure institutions are adequately resourced (i.e., staffing, training & development, etc.) so that they can provide all students with an affordable, high-quality path toward achieving their career and life aspirations

Upcoming Meeting Dates

There are a number of ways you can get involved with the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding. Start today by signing up to attend a Coalition meeting! At these monthly meetings, you’ll join other advocates in learning the latest on the state’s work on public university funding and find out ways to start taking actions in support of an adequate, equitable and stable funding system for Illinois’ public universities.

November

18

Illinois Board of Higher Education Board Meeting

College of Dupage & Virtual

Note: The meeting agenda will be available 48 hours prior to the meeting. IBHE Board Meeting Calendar In-Person Attendance: Virtual Attendance: Submit Written Comment If you prefer to submit a...

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November

19

Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding November Meeting

Virtual

The Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding will host its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 19 at 10 a.m. Contact Paola Salgado at paola@partnershipfcc.org to register.

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Interested in joining the Coalition?

To learn more about joining our Coalition, please reach out to Community Engagement Associate at Paola@Partnershipfcc.org for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Short on time, but have burning questions? We’ve got answers! Find out the basics about the Coalition, what we value, what we do, and why you should join!

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Allies and Partners

Our allies and partners span across the state and are committed to ensuring higher education in Illinois is possible for every student who wants to pursue it.

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