More Illinois Universities are Covering Tuition for Low-Income Households, But Issues with Cost Remain
A Growing Trend
The University of Illinois started the Illinois Commitment, its free tuition program for low-income households, in 2019, and a growing number of private and public universities have followed suit.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I)
Like many students, financial aid was a deciding factor for Nora Harvey, a psychology student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I).
Even though her father, who died when she was 16, had gone to the University of Wisconsin at Madison and raised her as a Badgers fan, she chose the option that wouldn’t put her in debt.
Harvey, who grew up in Beverly, said the decision would have been better if he didn’t have to face $10,000 a year in Wisconsin tuition. In Illinois, tuition, which ranges from $17,640 to $22,904 a year for in-state residents, is covered. Grants and scholarships pay for other costs, such as rent for living on campus and books.
“Once I received my financial aid package from Wisconsin, I knew I was going to U of I,” Harvey, 21, said. “If it weren’t for this, I would really be having a different experience in college… I feel a lot more freedom knowing I’m not going to have a lot of loans.”
Roosevelt University and the Roosevelt Pledge
Roosevelt University announced it will begin offering a similar program this month, the Roosevelt Pledge. In September, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) announced plans to launch its own version, UIC Aspire, next fall.
The Roosevelt Pledge program, which begins in the spring 2025 semester, will cover tuition costs not funded by loans, grants or work-study programs for students whose family income is less than $50,000 per year.
To qualify, applicants must be Illinois residents who attended and graduated from an Illinois high school; are under the age of 24 and are enrolled as new freshmen in a bachelor’s degree program for at least 15 credit hours. Their parents or guardians listed on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, must also be residents of Illinois.
“At Roosevelt we believe that income should not be a barrier to earning a degree, and I am pleased that the Pledge has the potential to allow more students to attend our institution regardless of their financial situation,” said Roosevelt President Ali Malekzadeh, in a press release.
Others Following Suit
Sara Miller, executive director of Green Halo Scholars, a west suburban program that helps first-generation and low-income students go to college, said schools like these types of programs because they are easy to promote.
“Programs like this help families understand from the beginning that the price on the website is not what they are going to pay,” Miller said. “The certainty of income-based programs is really great. They announce it from the beginning to encourage them to apply.”
Other Universities’ Programs
The University of Chicago students can get similar tuition coverage if their family income is $125,000 or less per year. Fees, tuition, room, and board are covered for students whose family income is $60,000 or less per year.
The City Colleges of Chicago offers the Chicago STAR Scholarship, which covers tuition for certificate and degree programs. Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who graduate from CPS (Chicago Public Schools) or select Big Shoulders Fund partner schools are eligible.
Conclusion
While the trend of covering tuition for low-income households is a positive step, there are still many challenges that students and families face. The cost of living, transportation, and books, among other expenses, remain a significant burden for many students. However, programs like these can provide a sense of financial security and encourage students to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.
FAQs
Q: How do I qualify for the Illinois Commitment or similar programs at other universities?
A: Eligibility requirements vary by university, but generally, you must be a resident of Illinois, have a family income of $75,000 or less per year, and be a new freshman or transfer student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
Q: What other costs are covered under these programs besides tuition?
A: Typically, these programs cover room and board, fees, and books, in addition to tuition. However, expenses like transportation and personal expenses are usually not included.
Q: Are there other scholarships or grants available for students who don’t qualify for these programs?
A: Yes, many universities and organizations offer scholarships and grants to help students cover education expenses. These can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Researching and applying for these opportunities can help fill the gap and make higher education more accessible.
