Illinois boosts universities losing students, punishes gainers

By Patrick Andriesen

03/05/2026

Illinois’ public universities have lost 13,062 students during the past 20 years, but three gained. They lost state funding while the losers got more money.

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

By Mark Batinick

05/28/2025

Illinois’ university system is losing students to other states as prices per student top the nation. The system and its funding need an overhaul, but state leaders instead are considering letting community colleges create even more competition.

TAGS: higher education

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Full text of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State speech

02/15/2023

Here’s what Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker had to say about how Illinois is faring and what his priorities will be in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

By Adam Schuster

08/24/2021

Classrooms First Act would benefit virtually all Illinoisans including teachers, parents and students.

Got patriotism? Not in Illinois, WalletHub ranking claims

By Noah Shaar

06/25/2021

WalletHub just ranked U.S. states for patriotism and put Illinois at No. 45. Voter turnout, number of veterans and volunteerism were among the measures used to rate Illinois so low.

TAGS: Illinois, patriotism

5 things you should know about putting students ahead of administration

By Mailee Smith

04/10/2019

The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Classrooms First Act by a unanimous vote March 28. If it becomes law, students, teachers and taxpayers will benefit.

TAGS: consolidation, education, local government consolidation, property taxes, school district consolidation, taxes

Illinois colleges receive credit rating upgrade, but structural problems remain

By Robert Brutvan

07/26/2017

Many reforms are still needed in Illinois higher education system despite credit rating affirmations and upgrades to seven Illinois universities.

TAGS: budget, credit rating, education, higher education

Illinois universities charge high price for perverse priorities

By Austin Berg

03/16/2017

More than 50 percent of the state’s $4.1 billion budget for public universities is spent on retirement costs alone.

TAGS: higher education, pensions, SURS: State Universities Retirement System

For many Illinoisans, the next recession is already here

By Austin Berg

01/31/2017

Illinois lost 11,000 manufacturing jobs in 2016.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing

Illinois State University

Illinois boosts universities losing students, punishes gainers

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Full text of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State speech

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

Got patriotism? Not in Illinois, WalletHub ranking claims

5 things you should know about putting students ahead of administration

Illinois colleges receive credit rating upgrade, but structural problems remain

Illinois universities charge high price for perverse priorities

For many Illinoisans, the next recession is already here

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students