Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Northeastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $42,401,300.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Board of Higher Education to meet its operational expenses for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $60,637,601; Other State Funds $22,525,000; Federal Funds $5,500,000; Total $88,662,601.
Appropriates $750,000 to Southern Illinois University for use by the Advanced Energy Institute for grants, operations, and other purposes. Effective July 1, 2026.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Eastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $49,884,200; Other State Funds $7,000; Total $49,891,200.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that the Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarships may also be known as School Social Work scholarships. Includes, as a qualified applicant subject to meeting the other requirements, (i) a person who is pursuing a clinical social work license or social work license and (ii) a person who will obtain a master's degree in social work from an approved program before enrolling the academic program that the scholarship would support. Allows scholarships to be applied to the payment of tuition and mandatory fees at a private, not-for-profit institution of higher education in the State that prepares students to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Social Work. Provides that a scholarship for a recipient attending a private, not-for-profit institution shall not exceed the maximum grant payable to a student enrolled in the most expensive comparable program of study at a public university in the State. Effective July 1, 2026.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Illinois Community College Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $343,131,200; Other State Funds $121,395,000; Federal Funds $51,000,000; Total $515,526,200.
Creates the Veterans' Dependents and Spouses College Tuition Waiver Act. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a public institution of higher education if the applicant is a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the public institution of higher education, and meets residency and enrollment requirements established by rule. Provides that the waiver applies only to tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room, board, books, supplies, or other nonmandatory expenses. Sets forth the length of the waiver. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall administer the waivers created by the Act. Provides that the Act's benefits shall be applied after federal educational benefits have been applied, unless otherwise provided by rule. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits an applicant from receiving federal educational benefits, as long as there is no duplication of State-funded tuition assistance. Allows the Commission to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the Act. Effective July 1, 2026.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Southern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $234,246,700; Other State Funds $1,266,000; Total $235,512,700.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Eastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $49,884,200; Other State Funds $7,000; Total $49,891,200.
Creates the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to study the cost drivers of State universities and develop a comprehensive, 10-year plan to ensure the long-term performance and sustainability of higher education in the State that ensures funding supports education outcomes, assesses the affordability of higher education for students, and supports long-term economic and workforce development goals. Sets forth factors to be studied. Requires the Board to issue a report based on the findings of the study to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than March 31, 2027. Effective immediately.
