IBHE Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Recommendations

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Board of Higher Education has approved recommended funding levels for fiscal year 2027, calling for a 4.5 percent increase in higher education spending, or $121.5 million, excluding pension costs, to support equity focused initiatives under the state’s A Thriving Illinois strategic plan. The proposal includes a $50 million increase for the Monetary Award Program, bringing total MAP funding to $771.6 million, a $5 million boost for the AIM HIGH grant program, a $38.8 million increase for public university operations, and a $10.6 million increase for community colleges, adult education, and career and technical education.