IL SB1309

Board of Higher Education must establish a uniform online admission application called the "Universal App" for use at all public institutions of higher education beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year.

Universal App must be made available on the Board's website and high schools must inform students and parents of its availability; high schools must allow students to complete the application during school hours unless parents opt out.

Applicants who are denied admission to their selected public universities must be automatically referred to their resident community college district with enrollment information.

Board may charge applicants a maximum $25 application fee, with revenue deposited into a Universal App Fund for operation costs; excess funds distributed to public institutions of higher education.

Individual public institutions retain all admission decision-making authority; applicants can rank institutions by preference and indicate whether their application may be forwarded to other public institutions if initially denied.