New IDOT incentive could cover up to $60,000 in student loans

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced a new student loan repayment initiative aimed at attracting civil engineers to the agency amid a nationwide engineering workforce shortage.

Under the Higher Education Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Engineers Pilot Program, up to 50 newly hired civil engineers who graduated from Illinois schools may receive up to $15,000 annually toward eligible student loan debt for a maximum of four years, totaling up to $60,000.

To qualify, engineers must be hired by IDOT on or after July 1, 2024, and complete four continuous years of employment with the department. Eligible positions will be identified in job postings.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said the program is intended to reduce financial burdens for recent graduates while helping the department recruit engineers.

“Engineers at IDOT make a positive impact on the public every day,” Biagi said in a statement.

The program was created through legislation proposed by State Sen. Ram Villivalam, who said the initiative will help make higher education and engineering careers more accessible.

According to IDOT, the engineering field faces an ongoing workforce shortage, with more engineers leaving the profession each year than entering it.

The department said the program is part of broader efforts to recruit and retain engineering talent as Illinois continues work under the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program.

The student loan repayment initiative is being offered as a pilot program subject to funding availability and legislative approval.