Deuter Highlights Direct Admissions Proposal, Encourages Greater Higher Ed Opportunity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of efforts to knock down barriers to higher education and further encourage students to pursue a degree, state Rep. Marti Deuter, D-Elmhurst, backed a plan to send qualified high school and community college students direct admissions offers from nine of the state’s public universities.

“This measure creates a more affordable and streamlined process for students and families navigating the college admissions process,” Deuter said. “Particularly for those who were on the fence with continuing their education or were unfamiliar with state options, this proposal will open doors and provide real opportunity.”

House Bill 3522 creates a direct admissions program for academically-qualified high school seniors and community college transfer students. Admissions standards would be set by universities, and eligible students would be automatically notified of their guaranteed acceptance and have their application fees waived. Participating universities include:
– Chicago State University,
– Eastern Illinois University,
– Governors State University,
– Illinois State University,
– Northeastern Illinois University,
– Northern Illinois University,
– Southern Illinois University,
– University of Illinois Springfield, and
– Western Illinois University.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois Chicago are not included in the guaranteed direct admission aspect of the measure, but the institutions would collaborate with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the State Board of Education on an outreach program to connect with and encourage qualified students to apply.

House Bill 3522 passed with bipartisan support and is expected to be signed by the governor. Students entering college for the 2027-28 academic year would be the first to benefit.

For more information, please contact Office@RepMartiDeuter.com.