Illinois Public University Enrollment Hits 10-Year High

Enrollment at public universities in Illinois surged to a 10-year high, reaching a total of 189,791 students for the current academic year. This figure represents a 2.3% increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The growth is primarily attributed to a significant rise in undergraduate enrollment, particularly among incoming freshmen, which increased by 6.8% compared to last year.

The data also reveals encouraging trends in underrepresented student populations. Black student enrollment rose by 9.7%, while Latino enrollment increased by 8.3%. Deputy Governor Martin Torres, who oversees education policy under Governor JB Pritzker, expressed optimism regarding these developments. “Students are choosing our institutions,” he noted. “Seven of our 12 campuses seeing an increase in student enrollment is a huge win for the state.”

Investments in higher education have played a crucial role in this growth. Since taking office in 2019, the Pritzker administration has enhanced funding for basic operating costs at universities and community colleges. Additionally, financial aid initiatives such as the need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP grants) and the merit-based Aim High scholarship program have made college more affordable for many students.

Despite these gains, overall undergraduate enrollment growth was somewhat tempered by declines in graduate and professional school enrollment, particularly among international students. Some smaller regional campuses, including Western Illinois University (WIU) and Eastern Illinois University (EIU), also experienced drops in enrollment.

Campus Growth Highlights

The University of Illinois Chicago reported the largest increase in enrollment, adding 1,967 students to reach a total of 35,869. Chicago State University recorded the most significant percentage increase, with an additional 241 students, marking a 10.8% rise. “You have to give a lot of credit to CSU President Z Scott, who has built strong connections with industry,” Torres said.

Another notable mention is Northern Illinois University, which saw its enrollment increase by 4.2%. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the largest campus in the state, added 1,614 students, bringing its total to 60,848. Campuses at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and Carbondale also reported growth.

Challenges for Smaller Institutions

In contrast, international student enrollment across the Illinois public university system fell by 6.5%, with a 14.1% decline in graduate and professional schools. Torres attributed this trend to stricter immigration policies under former President Donald Trump, which he claims have made it more difficult for international students to obtain visas. “The reality is, there is talent across the globe, and for decades, the United States has been a post-secondary anchor for global talents,” he stated.

Both WIU and EIU are currently facing financial difficulties. In 2024, WIU announced plans to reduce nearly 90 faculty and staff positions due to budget constraints. EIU has followed suit, eliminating dozens of positions as it grapples with revenue declines tied to factors including reduced international enrollment.

Critics point to the state’s funding formula for higher education, noting that both EIU and WIU are among the least adequately funded institutions in Illinois. The Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding has proposed legislation aimed at revamping this funding structure. Estimates indicate that EIU is currently funded at only 48% of its adequacy target, while WIU stands at 46%.

While the proposed funding reform failed to advance out of a Senate committee earlier this year, Torres indicated that the Pritzker administration is yet to take a definitive stance on this matter. “The governor has been focused on increasing access to financial aid and boosting the state’s investment in institutions,” Torres said, suggesting that further discussions on the proposal are likely.

John Miller, president of the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100, criticized the state’s ongoing challenges in retaining students. He stated, “Illinois continues to lose too many students to out-of-state public universities because it is simply more affordable for them to leave. This long-term brain drain is the direct result of the state’s failure to invest.”

Overall, while Illinois public universities are celebrating enrollment successes, the challenges faced by smaller institutions and declining international student numbers highlight ongoing issues within the state’s higher education system.