Seven in ten Illinois residents believe the state should increase funding to improve public colleges and universities, including majorities of both Democrats and Republicans

Significant majorities specifically support prioritizing funding to schools that enroll large numbers of underrepresented students, including rural residents, people with low incomes, and members of racial and ethnic minority groups

Despite trepidation about the perceived cost of a degree, seven in ten say public colleges and universities in Illinois provide a high-quality and affordable education comparable to, if not better than, out-of-state institutions

Lower tuition and expanded course offerings that provide relevant job skills ranked highest among options for making higher education a better investment in the state

April 21, 2025 – There is broad bipartisan support among a majority of Illinois residents for improving access to the state’s higher education institutions, according to new research from Public Agenda, a non-profit research-to-action organization dedicated to creating a democracy that works for everyone.

FULL REPORT HERE

“Higher education is widely valued in Illinois, but many of the state’s residents see a degree as too expensive and quality institutions as too far away from where they live,” said Andrew Seligsohn, President of Public Agenda. “While residents trust the state’s colleges and universities, more and fairer investment is needed to level up underrepresented communities, meet Illinois’ workforce needs, and create equal opportunities for all.”

The report features findings from a survey of 2,062 adult Illinois residents fielded in January 2025. Supported by the Joyce Foundation, the survey sought to understand how Illinois residents view public higher education and what would help it serve them and the state better. The survey includes specific findings about adults without college degrees—people who might become students in the future. This research contributes to Public Agenda’s growing body of work on higher education, including economic mobility and credit transfer.

Key highlights include:

• Opinions on Higher Education Policies

• • • 71% of Illinoisans support increased state funding for public colleges.
    • Majorities of Democrats, independents, and Republicans support prioritizing funding for colleges and universities serving underrepresented students.
      • These populations include those from low-income households, first-generation enrollees, rural communities, those who delayed enrollment after high school, and racial/ethnic minorities.
    • 94% say lowering tuition and 96% say expanding course offerings that provide relevant job skills would help in making higher ed a better investment, making these the highest ranking options.

• Value and Accessibility of Higher Education

• • • While about half (47%) of Illinoisans question the wisdom of investing in a degree in light of its perceived costs, over two-thirds (69%) believe public colleges in Illinois provide high quality, affordable education that is comparable, if not better than, colleges outside the state.
    • Nearly all Illinoisans believe all high school graduates should have equal access to college, and most see higher education as beneficial to communities and the economy.
    • 61% believe some Illinoisans lack the opportunity to attend college, a view especially common among Black residents.

• Desire to Pursue a Degree

• • • The survey found that 46% of Illinoisans say they lack a college credential and aren’t enrolled; nearly two in five in this group say they are likely to enroll within five years.
    • Most prospective students without a degree are over 30, and most are from households earning under $50K.

• Concerns About Pursuing a Degree

• • 74% of those without a degree say they believed that their best option for future success was to enter the workforce directly after completing high school.
    • However, 71% without a degree also say not earning a degree has negatively impacted them in at least one way.
  • More than half of those without a degree wanted to pursue one after high school but couldn’t afford to.
  • 31% of those without a degree want to enroll but either don’t think they can afford it or are unsure how it will fit into their work or family life.

For complete findings, as well as detailed charts and methodology, click here.

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Questions or requests can be directed to Public Agenda’s Press Office [email protected]. 

Attention newsrooms: The Public Agenda team is happy to be a resource for any relevant stories you’re working on. Powered by the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, our website includes an extensive archive of Public Agenda public opinion research data from 1979 to the present. For more information, please click here.

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About Public Agenda

Public Agenda is a national research-to-action organization that digs deep into the key challenges facing our democracy to uncover insights and solutions. Founded in 1975 by the social scientist and public opinion research pioneer Dan Yankelovich and former secretary of state Cyrus Vance, we engage with advocates, journalists, policymakers, and the philanthropic community to ensure public voice is heard in conversations that shape our shared future.