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SB 3154

ADULT LEARNER FLEX ED GRANT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a grant program to fund online degrees for Illinois residents over 25 with demonstrated need, up to $5,000 per year toward tuition and fees.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 3154

Summary: SB 3154 (104th General Assembly) – Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant

Purpose and Intent

SB 3154 would create an “Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program” within the Illinois Higher Education system to expand access to online postsecondary education for adults over age 25. The program aims to reduce financial barriers for nontraditional students pursuing online degrees or certificates.

Key Provisions

  • New Program and Authority

    • Establishes the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program under the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, addressable by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).
    • Requires ISAC to implement rules and administer the grant program.

  • Definitions

    • Qualified Institution: Either a “qualified institution” as defined elsewhere in the Act or a not-for-profit postsecondary institution that is regionally accredited (or recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) and meets:
    • Not-for-profit chartered status and ongoing operation.
    • 3-year federal loan cohort default rate ≤ 10%.
    • Average annual cost of full-time tuition and mandatory fees for the past 4 years is less than the average annual cost at public Illinois universities (over the same period), per U.S. DOE data.
    • Participation in the Pell Grant program and at least two of: Federal Work-Study, Direct Loan, or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
    • Qualified Program: A bachelor’s degree or certificate program delivering at least 60% of instruction online.
    • Tuition and Mandatory Fees: Defined as the standard charges for instruction plus mandatory, per-period fees; ISAC may set rules for calculating these amounts.

  • Program Establishment and Eligibility

    • ISAC must establish the grant program to facilitate online postsecondary education for adults >25.
    • Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year (subject to appropriation), ISAC will receive and consider grant applications.
    • Eligibility Criteria (must be met):
    • Age over 25.
    • Accepted for enrollment at a qualified institution in a qualified program.
    • Illinois resident and U.S. permanent resident.
    • Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Financial need that would deter completion of a program absent grant assistance.
    • Has not earned a baccalaureate degree.

  • Grant Details and Limitations

    • Grants apply only to tuition and mandatory fees.
    • Each grant may not exceed $5,000.
    • The total annual grant aid for an individual cannot exceed the cost of attendance at the enrolled qualified institution for that academic year (considering other aid).
    • Grants can cover up to two semesters or equivalent terms within an academic year.

  • Application and Administration

    • Applications must be submitted to ISAC in prescribed form; applicants may need to provide financial documentation as required by ISAC.
    • Funds are paid to the qualifying institution on behalf of the recipient.
    • ISAC may use up to 3% of the program appropriation to administer the program.
    • ISAC will establish a distribution method prioritizing:
    • Students ineligible for other state financial aid.
    • Higher demonstrated financial need (based on FAFSA data or equivalent need methodology).
    • First-generation college students.
    • Other criteria deemed necessary by ISAC.

  • Rules and Effective Date

    • ISAC to adopt rules for effective implementation.
    • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Eligible Students: Illinois residents over 25 without a baccalaureate degree, seeking online postsecondary education at a qualified institution in a qualifying online program, and demonstrating financial need.
  • Institutions: Qualified institutions (including not-for-profit online-eligible schools) that accept ISAC grant funds and participate in the required federal aid programs.
  • ISAC: Responsible for administration, eligibility determinations, grant awards, and rulemaking.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The program is contingent on appropriation in the state budget.
  • Applications slated to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • Administrative provisions allow ISAC to implement rules and a grant distribution methodology, with a cap of 3% of program funds for administration.

This bill creates a targeted financial aid pathway to support online higher education for adult learners, prioritizing low-income, first-generation students, and those lacking access to other state aid.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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