Illinois public university enrollment reaches 10-year high

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CHICAGO (KBSI) — Enrollment at Illinois public universities reached a 10-year high during the past academic year, with about 190,000 students attending, according to Gov. JB Pritzker’s office.

The administration attributed the increase partly to expanded financial aid and additional state funding for higher education.

More than 162,000 students received assistance through the state’s Monetary Award Program grants and AIM HIGH scholarships. Illinois has also increased operating funding for public universities and community colleges by more than $255 million.

Pritzker also signed legislation creating a direct admissions program intended to simplify enrollment at the state’s public universities.