CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In order to make an education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign more affordable to low- and middle-income families, the threshold to be eligible for Illinois Commitment — a financial aid program that provides free tuition and fees for in-state students — has been increased from $67,100 to $75,000.
The increase puts Illinois near the top of the Big Ten in terms of the income limit.
“Cost should never be a barrier to a student’s decision to apply to their state’s flagship public university,” said Chancellor Robert Jones. “Education creates generational change, and we must ensure talented students of all economic backgrounds in the state of Illinois have access. Increasing the income threshold for Illinois Commitment is a necessary step to open the door to an Illinois education for more families in our state.”
This change is effective for incoming students starting in the fall 2025 semester. The admissions application is currently open and closes Jan. 5, with the early action deadline on Nov. 1.
Illinois Commitment Facts
- Illinois Commitment launched in August 2018.
- The university has committed more than $90 million to the program.
- About 10,000 in-state students have benefitted from the program since the launch.
- Illinois Commitment simplifies the financial aid process and combats the misconception that in-state low- and middle-income students can’t afford to attend Illinois.
- To be eligible for the program, students don’t have to fill out any extra materials aside from the regular application and applying for federal student aid through the FAFSA form.
- The number of in-state student applicants has increased by 41% since 2018, likely due to a combination of factors including Illinois Commitment, the Common App and other outreach efforts.
- This is the second income increase for the program. When it launched, the income threshold was $65,000.
- More information about Illinois Commitment can be found on the financial aid website. More information about applying to Illinois can be found on the admissions website.
Editor’s note: For more information, contact Michelle Trame, director of Student Financial Aid, 217-333-7542, mtrame@illinois.edu.
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