Illinois State’s operating funds will increase by 1% (approximately $800,000) in FY26, with an additional increase of 2% (approximately $1.6 million) at the discretion of Governor JB Pritzker. The budget was approved by the Illinois General Assembly on May 31, 2025, and signed by Governor Pritzker on June 16, 2025.

A full 3% increase ($2.398 million) would provide Illinois State with a total general fund appropriation of $82.205 million for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1, 2025.  

“Illinois State University appreciates the continued support of the General Assembly and Governor during a particularly challenging legislative session,” said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule. “State funding support is vital to the success of Illinois State and all public universities, especially amid many other challenges and uncertainties we are facing across the higher education landscape.” 

The budget also adds $10 million to the state’s Monetary Award Program (MAP), marking the sixth consecutive year of increases. The total MAP appropriation is set at $721.6 million and improves student access to financial aid across the state. Approximately 7,000 undergraduate students at Illinois State received MAP funding for the 24-25 academic year, totaling about $46.8 million. That amount indicates an increase of $2.6 million for Illinois State students, serving nearly 700 more than the previous year. The additional MAP funds committed for FY26 are expected to assist even more underserved students at Illinois State this fall. 

Changes to historic inequity in our per-student appropriation, reimbursement for unfunded state mandates, and funding for much needed deferred maintenance are legislative priorities being pursued by the University.