SPRINGFIELD – Graduating high school students may soon see more opportunities to attend Illinois’ public colleges and universities, thanks to a measure State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced out of the Senate that would expand in-state tuition rates to any individual who attended an Illinois high school for three years.
“If we want Illinois to be the best place to build a life, we cannot block already vulnerable groups from accessing affordable, quality higher education,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By allowing students who attended an Illinois high school for three years the opportunity to qualify for in-state tuition rates, we are sending a clear message that Illinois’ public higher education system will value equity, ensuring all students have the same opportunities to earn a college degree.”
For the past several years, Illinois lawmakers have voiced concerns with college costs, specifically citing rising in-state tuition that has led to many students taking on more in education-related debt or seeking higher education across state lines. Villanueva recognizes that the continued rising cost of living disproportionately affects low-income families and students participating in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – groups that often have to temporarily relocate due to unforeseen circumstances.
Under current state law, students attending Illinois’ public institutions of higher learning cannot receive in-state tuition if they have established residency outside of the state prior to enrollment. Villanueva’s measure would modify in-state tuition requirements, allowing students who attend an Illinois high school for at least three years to receive in-state tuition regardless of if the student had established residency outside Illinois prior to enrolling.
“It isn’t just one group who would benefit from this measure; DACA, low-income, first generation, minority and transgender students would no longer have to worry about facing higher tuition costs just for moving away before enrolling in college – a choice that youth rarely get a say in,” added Villanueva.
House Bill 5093 passed the Senate Saturday and heads to the House for concurrence.
