Governor Pritzker signs FY27 state budget

Illinois State's FY27 operating funds will increase by 1% or approximately $822,000 from the FY26 allocation. The budget was approved by the Illinois General Assembly on June 1, 2026, and signed by Governor Pritzker on June 16, 2026. The increase marks the fifth consecutive year of increased appropriations for all Illinois public higher education institutions.

The 1% increase will provide Illinois State with a total general fund appropriation of $82.997 million for FY27, the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Governor's Office also announced the release of 2% reserve funding for higher education that was part of the FY26 reserves set aside amid federal funding uncertainty. The funding release is expected to provide Illinois State with approximately $1.6 million dollars to fulfill the FY26 appropriation.

"Illinois State University recognizes the fiscal challenges facing the State of Illinois and appreciates the continued support of the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker, as well as their commitment to public higher education," said President Aondover Tarhule. "At a time when colleges and universities are navigating significant uncertainty, sustained state investment provides important stability for our institutions and the students and families we serve. This support helps Illinois State continue delivering a high-quality, affordable education while preparing the next generation of leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators for our state."

The budget also maintains the state's Monetary Award Program (MAP). The total MAP appropriation is set at $721.6 million for student access to financial aid across the state. Approximately 7,000 undergraduate students at Illinois State received MAP funding for the 25-26 academic year, totaling about $48.3 million.

Changes to historic inequity in the University's per-student appropriation, reimbursement for unfunded state mandates, capital development, and funding for much needed deferred maintenance were legislative priorities pursued by the University during the recent legislative session.