Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities – Center Square

In 2021, nearly 48 percent of Illinois’ four-year, college-bound students chose out-of-state schools, with the top picks being public universities in neighboring states where tuition was cheaper.
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taxpayer
8 months ago

It’s a weird article, throwing out some numbers but not really giving a useful analysis. How does out-of-state tuition in a neighboring state compare to in-state tuition at an Illinois gov’t university? “We’re spending a lot of money per student on higher education.” How much? How does that compare to expenditures in other states? “state government spending on higher education in Illinois increased over $2 billion as enrollment dropped by more than 106,000 students between 2009 and 2024.” So what is the absolute amount spent per student, and how does it compare to other states? “more than 10% of university… Read more »

Leaving Soon, just not soon enough
8 months ago

And many will never come back to Illinois once the see a world free of high taxes and high crime.

the doctor
8 months ago

Back in the old days a few of the directional were good alternatives to U of I. Smaller, cheaper. Depending on major just as good as U of I. But even back in the 80’s there was DEI present and as the years progressed standards were thrown out the window.

How much of the decline in enrollment is attributable to decline in standards?

Deb
8 months ago

IL colleges give preferential treatment to foreign and minority students. That is why IL students are leaving the state for college.

Leaving Soon, just not soon enough
8 months ago

WIU and a few others should be closed.

mqyl
8 months ago

In the mismanaged, taxpayer-abusive state of Illinois, it’s perfectly normal to have education costs increase while student enrollment decreases.

daskoterzar
8 months ago
Reply to  mqyl

Yep. perfectly normal in Illinois Bizarro-world. Down is up, up is down, when leaving you say bad-by…

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