IL HJR0054

Board of Higher Education shall conduct a study on college affordability and funding in cooperation with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Illinois Community College Board, based on the "Public Agenda for College and Career Success" endorsed in December 2008.

Study must include review of State financial aid programs for low-income students, strategies to help students complete degrees faster, measures to assist middle-income students ineligible for need-based grant aid, and methods to reduce institutional operating costs while maintaining quality and access.

Board of Higher Education, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and Illinois Community College Board must submit a report with findings and recommendations on improving college affordability and higher education funding to the General Assembly.

Resolution identifies six barriers to affordability: declining State support for colleges, diminished buying power of the Monetary Award Program (MAP), denial of MAP awards to one-fourth of eligible students, increased student reliance on loans, increased work hours extending time-to-degree, and lack of support for middle-income students.

Goal is to make Illinois one of the 5 most affordable states in the country for higher education.