Experts underscore many advantages of higher education as a vehicle for economic mobility, yet it continually fails to be genuinely accessible through its flaws in equity and affordability. Gaining access to higher education often begins with filing a national financial aid form known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, used…

Several factors create a challenging environment for individuals seeking financial support to complete a postsecondary degree program. In recognition of the challenges of paying for higher education, decision-makers at the federal and state levels support college-going with public policy. Through direct institutional allocations, need and…

This report portrays various performance indicators that are intended to facilitate an assessment of the postsecondary education system in Illinois. Descriptive statistics are presented for Illinois and five other comparison states as well as the nation. Comparison states were selected according to the degree of similarity of population…

Access to a quality, affordable college education remains a cornerstone of American economic and social development. Individuals from all backgrounds need the knowledge and skills afforded by higher education to compete in an increasingly integrated--and competitive--global economy. Greater educational attainment correlates with many positive…

This report addresses college affordability in Illinois from the student's perspective and makes specific recommendations to improve affordability at public institutions of higher education. The report also seeks to make students and their families more aware of the close connection between academic preparation, progress, and college costs. It…

This report discusses the development of a citizens' agenda for higher education in Illinois, presenting a set of initial goals and the reasoning behind them. It reviews the importance of higher education for a productive citizenry and the economic benefits of higher education. The report proposes eight goals that are designed to increase the…

This report examines recent national and Illinois trends in college tuition and fees, instructional costs and state support, indicators of economic conditions and families' ability to pay for colleges, and student financial aid. It also includes general affordability goals for Illinois higher education and recommendations on keeping college costs…

This report presents a comprehensive study of graduate education in Illinois. The report begins with an overview of current conditions examining the origins and development of advanced study in the state, Board of Higher Education policies, and salient program and student characteristics at Illinois colleges and universities. The configuration and…

This report presents policies to enhance academic preparation and progress, assist needy students, and keep college costs affordable in Illinois, and indicates the implementation status of these policies. These policies are designed to heighten awareness among students and families of the effect of academic preparation and sustained academic…

This document presents new or revised master plan policy statements for various segments of Illinois higher education. Chapter 1, on statewide goals and organization, lists goals for Illinois higher education, for coordination and planning, for the Board of Higher Education membership; and briefly discusses the organizational structure of public…