Governor Pritzker’s State budget supports higher education, CSU will continue to use funding to advance equity in education

On Feb. 22, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker outlined his Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget proposal, including the state’s plan for higher education funding. Chicago State University applauds the Governor for the continued investment in higher education, particularly given the state’s forecast of budget deficit in FY25. The proposed budget includes:

• 2% overall increase to General Operating funds for higher education, equaling an additional $786,900 for CSU. 
• A $10 million increase to Monetary Award Program (MAP funding), a needs based grant that is projected to benefit 146,000 students in FY25
• Sustained funding for Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) grants which specifically help to support undergraduate students in Illinois’ public universities
• $450 million in capital funds through Rebuild Illinois to support general deferred maintenance and inflationary increases on public university projects.

“As one of Illinois’ 12 public institutions, and the state’s only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution, we commend Governor Pritzker’s  FY25 budget recognizing  higher education’s economic benefit to the state,” said Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, President of Chicago State University. “The proposed funding comes at a time when data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education shows a 37% decline in Illinois Black student enrollment in higher education over the last 10 years. At CSU, the funding will assist us in continuing our mission to advance and improve access to higher education for Illinois families and further support equity in education with a focus on financial support as well as the academic and wrap-around services all students deserve.”