Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 3 of The Illinois Commitment
Illinois Promise
University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to providing access to quality education for high
achieving students from all backgrounds. Current economic circumstances, however, threaten the affordability of
higher education, particularly for students from the lowest income levels. With shifts from state support to tuition for
institutional funding, the need to maintain access to higher education is particularly pressing. To ensure the
affordability of higher education for students from the lowest income levels, the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign created The Illinois Promise. The Illinois Promise will provide a comprehensive package of financial aid
to fund the estimated cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board for Urbana-Champaign students from the lowest
income levels. The Illinois Promise was first available for eligible freshman entering in the Fall 2005 class.
Description of the effective practice:
Students eligible for the Illinois Promise will be residents of Illinois, freshman, have family income of at or below the
federal poverty level, and no expected family contribution to the cost of college education. Family income and
expected contribution are determined through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Other than
submitting the FAFSA, there is no specific application process for The Illinois Promise.
Through an aid package that combines federal and state financial aid, work-study, and grants from private support,
The Illinois Promise provides eligible students with funding equal to the estimated expenses associated with tuition,
fees, books, and room and board. The estimated personal expense and transportation cost will not be included in The
Illinois Promise.
The Illinois Promise provides funding for four years of education at the University of Illinois. Eligibility will be
annually evaluated, in conjunction with completion of the FAFSA. Students must remain in good academic standing
(i.e., eligible to continue studies at the University of Illinois) to continue involvement with The Illinois Promise. As
with the tuition guarantee, the four years of eligibility for The Illinois Promise begins when a student enrolls at the
University and runs continuously.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
The University is seeking funds for the program through grants from private and corporate support, and has already
received a commitment for $250-thousand from the first sponsor, Lou Mervis, president of Mervis Industries.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
Total Percent
African American 50 41%
Asian or Pacific Islander 34 28%
Mexican American 12 10%
Other Hispanic or Latino 3 2.5%
Puerto Rican, Mainland 2 1.6%
Unknown 3 2.5%
White 18 15%
Total 122 100%
Key points about Fall 2005 Illinois Promise Cohort
• Students are predominately all from Chicago-area counties (86 from Cook County, 7 from DuPage, 4 from Lake,
and 4 from Kane)
• Students eligible for The Illinois Promise are predominately from minority backgrounds (41% African American,
14% Latina/o, 28% Asian)
Contact Information
Name: Daniel Mann
Email: danmann@uiuc.edu
Phone: (217) 333-0100
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