Illinois Public University Enrollment Reaches 10-Year High, Pritzker Says

CHICAGO – Thanks to Governor JB Pritzker’s historic investments, this past school year saw 190,000 students enrolled in Illinois public universities, the highest number in 10 years. By investing in public schools, removing barriers, and increasing financial aid opportunities, Gov. Pritzker is making higher education accessible to a record number of students.

Gov. Pritzker has expanded access to higher education by:

• Helping more than 162,000 students afford college by nearly doubling MAP grants and increasing AIM High scholarships to lower the cost of college;

• Increasing investments in operating funding for public universities and community colleges by more than $255 million;

• Signing into law a direct admissions program that makes it easier for Illinois students to enroll in the state’s public universities.

Gov. Pritzker believes that Illinoisans deserve access to high-quality education, no matter their background, and he will keep fighting to make sure every Illinois student has a fair shot.

More like this:

Illinois Bans Student Cellphone Use Throughout School Day

Yesterday

Illinois Ranks #2 in the Country for FAFSA Completions

Jul 15, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Signs School Cell Phone Ban into Law

2 days ago

ISAC Hosts 16th Annual College Changes Everything Conference: Education Matters

Jul 13, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Lower Energy Costs and Increase Transparency for Illinois Consumers

Jul 10, 2026