EIU Media Relations

EIU appreciates Governor’s continued commitment to Higher Ed

Continued prioritization of P-20 education reflects a strategic investment in Illinoisans

(Charleston, IL) – Yesterday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker outlined his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal, and the higher education component of the plan was well received by leaders at Eastern Illinois University.

“The Governor's commitment to higher education has been steadfast. This budget shows we can prioritize equity, affordability, access and excellence all at the same time,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “We applaud the Governor’s Office and IBHE for their continued commitment to higher education across the State. Yesterday’s proposal improves access to higher education, provides increased support for persistence and completion, responds to workforce demands, and funds much needed deferred maintenance and capital improvements."

Specific to higher education, the Governor’s budget proposal includes the following:

• Sustained AIM HIGH annual funding of $50 million to keep high-achieving, middle-income Illinois high school graduates in Illinois for their higher education experience.
• A $10 million increase in Monetary Award Program (MAP funding)—grants that do not need to be repaid and are made available to eligible enrolled Illinois residents based on financial need. If enacted, total MAP funding will have increased 77% since Governor Pritzker took office.
• A 2 percent or $24.6 million increase in general operating funds for Illinois’ public universities to help cover increased costs of doing business, work to close equity gaps, and respond to changing workforce demands.
• $450 million in capital funds for general deferred maintenance and inflationary increases on public university projects previously approved but not yet completed. Public university campuses are State-owned properties and this reflects a renewed commitment on the part of the State to maintain and upgrade campuses as necessary to better serve existing students and to better compete against out-of-state institutions for future students.

“This continued investment in Illinois higher education will further support our students and reinforce shared economic interests and initiatives across Illinois,” Gatrell added. “Our State’s progress is propelled by the forward motion of individual Illinoisans. Investing in the education and training of our young people as well as our returning adult learners also is a strategic investment in our collective future as a thriving Illinois.”

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.