The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved a fiscal year 2026 recommended budget that increases funding to continue to support the implementation of the equity-driven higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois. The approved budget recommends an overall 4 percent 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. Highlights include:

• $50 million increase for MAP

• $24.7 million (2%) increase in operating funding for public universities

• $7.2 million (2%) increase in funding for community colleges, adult education, and career and technical education

• $15 million increase for Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarships

• $4 million increase for the Pipeline for Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program 

• $3.5 million in new funds for a new Center for Basic Needs at the Illinois Community College Board

• $1.8 million increase for the state’s direct college admissions program