Governor’s budget proposal would increase Illinois State’s operating funds in FY27

Illinois State's FY27 operating funds would increase 1% from the FY26 state allocation under the budget presented by Governor JB Pritzker during his State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The $822,000 increase from the FY26 appropriation would provide Illinois State with a total general fund appropriation of $82.997 million for the coming fiscal year that begins July 1. If approved by the state legislature, it would mark the fifth consecutive year of increased appropriations for all Illinois public higher education institutions. 

"Illinois State University recognizes the fiscal pressures facing the State of Illinois and appreciates the Governor's ongoing commitment to higher education," said President Aondover Tarhule. "The University is equally committed to careful budgeting as costs continue to increase, and we approach this work with our students and their families top of mind. Every decision is guided by our responsibility to keep an Illinois State education accessible, affordable, and high quality."

Illinois State continues to be a premier choice for higher education, as demonstrated by its stable enrollment and despite remaining the lowest-funded public university in the state when considering student enrolment. Following three consecutive years of flat tuition for most programs, the Board of Trustees is considering a cost increase for new students at its upcoming meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The governor's proposed budget also would maintain the state's MAP appropriation at $721.6 million. Approximately 7,000 undergraduate students at Illinois State received MAP funding for the 25-26 academic year. Currently, those students have utilized approximately $46.8 million.