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Illinois Higher Education Spending Spirals Out of Control Amid Decline in Enrollment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Illinois students begin their academic journey, the state's alarming trend in higher education spending continues to raise concerns. Despite a $2 billion increase in spending, Illinois colleges have lost over 106,000 students between 2009 and 2024, making it the number one state in per-pupil spending at $25,529 per full-time student in 2024. The average in-state tuition and fees at Illinois' public universities have risen 66% since 2009, far surpassing inflation, while the state's in-state price ranks sixth in the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Illinois state government spending on higher education increased by over $2 billion between 2009 and 2024, concurrently with a decline of 106,375 students.
  • Higher education spending consumed nearly 9% of the state budget in 2024, totaling $4.46 billion.
  • The average price of in-state tuition and fees at Illinois' public universities increased by 66% to $15,439 in 2025 from $9,410 in 2009.
  • Enrollment in Illinois' public community colleges and state universities dropped by 106,375 students compared to 15 years ago.
  • 43 cents of every state higher education dollar from general funds is spent on pensions, while 10% is spent on administrative bloat.
  • The state's funding formula, based on historical spending and not enrollment or performance, punishes successful universities and encourages higher tuition prices.
  • Nearly 48% of Illinois' four-year, college-bound students chose schools in other states in 2021, with top choices being public universities in neighboring states with lower tuition.

Statistics:

  • $2 billion: Increase in Illinois state government spending on higher education between 2009 and 2024.
  • 106,375: Number of students lost across Illinois' public community colleges and state universities between 2009 and 2024.
  • 9%: Percentage of the state budget consumed by higher education spending in 2024.
  • $4.46 billion: Total higher education spending in 2024.
  • 66%: Increase in the average price of in-state tuition and fees at Illinois' public universities between 2009 and 2025.
  • $15,439: Average in-state tuition and fees at Illinois' public universities in 2025.
  • 43 cents: Proportion of state higher education dollars spent on pensions in 2025.
  • $428.8 million: State-appropriated funds spent on administrative expenses in 2024, supporting 50% more administration per student than the national average.

Sources:

  • Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Spends $2B More on Its Colleges, But Loses 106K Students (2024)
  • Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois' In-State Price Ranks No. 6 in the Nation (2025)
  • Illinois Policy Institute, Experts Say Pensions, Administrative Expenses, and Outdated Funding Formula Mainly Responsible for Spending, Tuition Surges (2025)
  • Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Higher Education Spending Spirals Out of Control Amid Decline in Enrollment (2025)
  • Illinois Policy Institute, https://www.illinoispolicy.org/press-releases/illinois-spends-2b-more-on-its-colleges-but-loses-106k-students/

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