College-Bound Students Can Now Apply to All Illinois Universities Using App

Date:

Share post:

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), in partnership with the Illinois General Assembly, are utilizing $1 million in funding to add all of the state’s public universities onto the Common App platform. First-year students applying to college will now be able to apply to any of Illinois’ 12 public universities, plus dozens of the state’s private institutions, with only one form.

“Expanding access to educational opportunities for everyone has always been a top goal of my administration. We want to make it easier for everyone, especially people of color, low-income students, and adult learners, to find a place at Illinois’ institutions of higher learning,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This $1 million investment will not only make it easier for Illinois students to apply to multiple of the state’s world-class universities but will also encourage students from out of state and across the globe to take the next step in their educational journey right here in Illinois.”

For students and families concerned about the cost of applying for college, waivers are available for low-income Common App applicants. In 2019-2020, more than 470,000 Common App applicants across the nation were granted a fee waiver. Some colleges and universities either have no application fees or will waive fees if needed.

Three public universities, the University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and Chicago State University, were previously available on the Common App. The $1 million investment allowed the remaining public universities to join the program. The last outstanding university, Northeastern Illinois University, will be implemented later this fall.

“Having all of the public universities on the Common App will make it easier for students to apply,” said Ginger Ostro, executive director, IBHE. “We see this as a tool for more students to explore the opportunities at all Illinois colleges and universities and remain in Illinois for their post-secondary education.”

The Common App website (www.commonapp.org) has several resources for students and families who want to know more about the application process, such as a first-year application guide, resources called “What Is Common App?” and “How the First Year Common App Works,” YouTube videos, and the list of institutions that use the application.

Additionally, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and its school and community partners offer free support throughout Illinois for students who need help completing their college and financial aid applications. The ISACorps, a statewide group of near peer mentors trained to assist students and families with college planning and financial aid, offer free workshops as well as one-on-one assistance.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related articles

Brookfield Zoo Announces Roaring Nights Summer Concerts in Chicago, Combining Live Music, Conservation

Chicago, IL - The Brookfield Zoo is set to host its Roaring Nights summer concert series, an annual...

Bourbonnais Firefighters Seek $127 Support from Residents to Combat Worker Exodus this November

Bourbonnais, IL - Facing a critical shortage of emergency personnel, the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District is urging over...

Anglers Get Ready for Illinois 4-H Fishing Tournament

CHICAGO, IL - The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament is set to cast off this April,...

Nashville Murder Cold Case: Urgent Call for Tips in Tennessee’s Unsolved Mystery of Lakayla Garrett

Nashville, TN - Over five years have passed since Lakayla Garrett, aged 35, was tragically murdered in Nashville,...