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Sparking Change
Read the latest stories about how the University of Illinois System is widening doors of opportunities, creating a stronger, more diverse workforce for our state and beyond.

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  • downtown Chicago at night

    iBSW Chicago Program

    This two-year program allows community college graduates to complete University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign BSW degrees while residing in Chicago, through a combination of hybrid and online courses and metropolitan-area based internships.

  • Trey Harris walking on Quad

    Studying education at Illinois

    Trey Harris, EDU '21, decided to go to Illinois based on four factors: location, size, opportunity, and cost. Learn more about his college experience in Urbana-Champaign.

  • Sarun “Mac” Chanprung

    Why this first-generation student chose UIC

    Sarun "Mac" Chanprungf from Buffalo Grove is the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his kinesiology degree close to home at University of Illinois Chicago.

  • UIC campus

    UIC creates program for students with intellectual disabilities

    The University of Illinois Chicago announced a $2.5 million grant to develop an accredited postsecondary two-year certificate program aimed at preparing people with intellectual disabilities for employment opportunities.

  • Seal of Excelencia

    UIC earns ‘Seal of Excelencia’ for commitment to Latino students

    UIC has earned Excelencia in Education’s “Seal of Excelencia,” a national certification that recognizes colleges and universities for their “unwavering commitment to intentionally serve Latino students, while serving all.”

  • Illini graduates

    U of I System enrollment tops 90,000 for first time

    Enrollment grew across the University of Illinois System this fall, topping 90,000 students for the first time and setting a record for the eighth straight year despite the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • UIC campus

    UIC is No. 3 in ‘Best Bang for the Buck’ ranking

    The University of Illinois Chicago stands out as one of the “Best Bang for the Buck” institutions in the Midwest, according to the 2020 edition of Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings, which were released this week.

  • three students, one from each campus

    Universities adopt test-optional policy for fall 2021

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Illinios at Springfield will not require standardized tests for students applying for fall 2021 freshman admission.

  • International flags

    Importance of our international students

    Students from dozens of countries are integral to the globally connected University of Illinois System, and they are valued members of our family. They enrich our universities and greatly enhance the educational experience for all.

  • Nursing students working on mannequin

    UIS/UIC guaranteed pathway to UIC nursing degree

    UIC and UIS have announced the creation of a joint undergraduate nursing curriculum that will guarantee a spot for incoming freshmen in UIC’s highly ranked nursing program.

  • students in library

    U of I System creates new, $36 million financial aid fund

    The University of Illinois System has created a fund that will provide at least $36 million in new, targeted financial aid to help students who are facing increased need now and for the coming academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • woman at laptop

    U of I System excels in online program rankings

    Online programs at all three universities in the University of Illinois System have been recognized in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. More...

  • College of Medicine campus

    UIC College of Medicine decreases tuition

    The University of Illinois College of Medicine will reduce its tuition rates for all students, beginning with the 2020-21 academic year to address the rising indebtedness of medical students upon graduation. More...

  • UIS graduates

    UIS waives application fees for prospective students

    The University of Illinois at Springfield is waiving all application fees for prospective students in an effort to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to pursue a higher education. More...

  • students in library

    Enrollment grows to nearly 89,000 students

    Enrollment this fall across the University of Illinois System grew to a record high for the seventh straight year, increasing 3.8 percent to nearly 89,000 students, President Tim Killeen announced. More...

  • UIC campus

    Expanded funding for MAP grants and merit scholarships

    Tim Killeen, president of the U of I System, spoke with the Chicago Tribune about what the increase in state funding means for public higher education. 

  • Four years. Free Tuition.That's Illinois Commitment.

    Illinois Commitment

    A new financial-aid program, Illinois Commitment aims to make attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign more affordable for middle-income families in the state of Illinois. More...

  • Professor teaching class

    Dual credit class

    UIS is offering its first on-campus dual-credit class for high school students as part of a pilot program. The pilot course, CHE 199A: General, Organic, and Biochemistry, is taught by a faculty member and students earn high school and college credit. More...

  • Urbana students

    American Talent Initiative

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has joined the American Talent Initiative, a coalition of top universities committed to enhancing the recruitment, enrollment and graduation of high-achieving lower- and moderate-income students. More...

  • UIC campus

    Expanded scholarship support

    UIC’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has received $1.5 million from The Davee Foundation to expand its scholarship support for high-achieving students with financial need. More...

  • students on campus

    Extension to ACES scholarships

    University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences(ACES) are now offering up to 54 scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year. More...

  • inclusive excellence summary

    Advancing inclusion in STEM education

    The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a five-year, $1 million grant through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Inclusive Excellence Initiative. More...

  • City Colleges guaranteed admission partnership

    A guaranteed admission partnership with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) has been expanded to include all three U of I System universities and that top transfers will be eligible for scholarships through a new pilot program. More...