IL SB3855

Creates the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Program beginning July 1, 2027, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, to provide tuition, fees, and a stipend up to $10,000 for engineering students at Illinois public universities.

Requires scholarship recipients to sign an agreement to work as an engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation for at least 3 years within one year of completing their academic program.

Covers up to 8 semesters or 16 quarters of full-time enrollment, with recipients selected based on academic excellence and financial need; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and Illinois residents.

Recipients who fail to fulfill the work agreement must repay the scholarship amount (prorated for incomplete service) plus 5% interest, with exceptions for military service, temporary disability, or inability to find IDOT employment.

Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish a competitive grant program for public universities awarding engineering degrees, based on performance criteria including degree production, retention, and licensure exam passage rates; the Act repeals July 1, 2032.