Stuart’s Higher Education Direct Admissions Bill Becomes Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is making higher education more accessible for high school and community college students after the Stuart-sponsored Illinois public university direct admissions bill was signed into law today by Governor JB Pritzker.

“This direct admissions program will open new doors and offer new opportunities to high school and community college students who may not have known that community college or a four-year university is an option for them,” said Stuart. “Not only does this program encourage students to continue their education in Illinois, it also offers counseling services for community college students, helping them decide if a four-year university or a career is the next step for them.”

Stuart’s House Bill 3522 creates a direct admissions program for high school and community college students across Illinois. Through this program, public institutions of higher education will offer direct admission to their university or community college to qualifying high school and community college students while continuing to set their admission requirements.

Students who apply to a public university or community college through this program will not be required to pay an application fee. This program will be introduced for the 2027-2028 academic year.

“What makes this direct admissions program unique is that it includes not just high school students but also community college students, acknowledging that it’s not just high school students that may want to attend a four-year university,” said Stuart. “Through this program, we are putting students first, easing the college application process, and encouraging students to continue their education here in Illinois.”