According to a press release from the Office of Illinois House Republicans, the Illinois House approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Reggie Phillips (R-Charleston) which extends the repeal of the tuition affordability discount program at Eastern Illinois University from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2026.
According to Phillips, the tuition affordability discount program, also known as the Panther Promise program, was initiated in 2011 as a pilot program to allow EIU to waive 10% of available undergraduate tuition revenue, which EIU would then cover. Eligible students receive $2,500 toward tuition each year for up to four years.
The program is aimed at attracting more students from lower-middle- and middle-income families and is available to students from households with an annual income ranging from $33,000 to $71,000, or 151 percent to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In its fourth year the program has helped EIU become more cost-competitive and stem further enrollment losses at the university.
Senate Bill 930 now will head to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. Attached is audio with Representative Phillips presenting the bill.