HB5453 Summary

• Changes the Public University Uniform Admission Pilot Program Act to the Public University Direct Admission Program Act and repeals the pilot program on December 31, 2025.

• Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the Board of Higher Education shall establish a direct admission program to automatically offer admission to qualified high school seniors and community college transfer students at Illinois public universities.

• Public universities must admit high school seniors meeting coursework standards and community college transfer students with 37 hours of Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum, a 3.0 GPA, and English language proficiency.

• The Board of Higher Education must evaluate program impact on low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students, underserved populations, and rural students.

• The Board of Higher Education shall submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly beginning February 1, 2026, including demographic data, enrollment information, and program recommendations.