The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recommended a 2026 fiscal year budget that increases funding to continue to support the implementation of the equity-driven higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois.
The budget recommends an overall 4% increase, which represents an increase of $108.8 million, in higher education funding, excluding the State University Retirement System (SURS).
IBHE’s recommended budget includes an increase of $50 million for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), bringing the total MAP appropriation to $761.6 million. This supports the board’s target of increasing funding for MAP to $1 billion within 10 years as set out in the higher education strategic plan in 2021.
Additional funding for MAP will help make an Illinois higher education more affordable for many students and families across the state.
The recommended budget also includes a $24.7 million (2%) increase in operating funding for public universities to continue closing equity gaps in access, persistence, and completion. The Board recommends that the funds be allocated using an equity lens to allow universities to provide the supports students need to ensure their success, particularly for students from low-income households.
Community colleges across the state play a crucial role in meeting the state’s education and workforce needs. To ensure community colleges continue to prepare the workforce of tomorrow, IBHE also is recommending a $7.2 million (2%) increase in funding for community colleges, adult education, and career and technical education.
Additionally, the budget recommends an increase of $15 million for scholarships to support the early childhood workforce and an increase of $4 million for the Pipeline for Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program to help those in nursing and other healthcare pathways enter or advance their careers in the health care industry.
The full fiscal year 2026 recommended budget can be accessed here.
The budget recommendation next goes to Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly for consideration.
