Illinois Expands College Access, Signs New State Laws

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a package of laws to expand college access and affordability, including the Public University Direct Admissions Program, which grants automatic admission to public universities and community colleges for students meeting GPA benchmarks, eliminating application fees. The legislation also expands dual-credit opportunities and requires high schools to provide financial aid assistance through a dedicated FAFSA contact and time during school hours. These measures aim to help retain young talent in Illinois and particularly benefit first-generation and lower-income students. Other laws signed include enhanced law enforcement access to roadway cameras for human trafficking cases, new employer wage reporting requirements, and safe drinking water standards for non-community water systems. The education laws will take effect in the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years, while the drinking water law is effective immediately. Supporters say the new initiatives will reduce barriers and improve opportunity across Illinois.