Illinois State’s operating funds would increase 3% under the budget presented by Governor JB Pritzker during his State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The $2.398 million increase from FY25 would provide Illinois State with a total general fund appropriation of $82.205 million for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1. If approved by the state legislature, it would mark the fourth consecutive year of increased appropriations for all Illinois public higher education institutions. 

“The Governor’s commitment to education is deeply appreciated. Illinois State is thankful for a proposed increase of nearly $2.4 million in state funding to our general fund and additional increase for Monetary Award Program (MAP),” said President Aondover Tarhule. “Illinois State University is committed to doing everything possible to keep the cost of education affordable for all. Our Board of Trustees voted not to raise the base tuition rate for the second consecutive year. If approved by the legislature, this additional state funding will help the University to keep Illinois State accessible and affordable.” 

The governor’s proposed budget also would add an additional $10 million to the state’s MAP, bringing the total MAP appropriation to $721.6 million and improving 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 more than $46.7 million.