Bill
HB 3551
Creates the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program to award up to $5,000 (tuition/fees) for 25+ Illinois residents in online programs, paid to colleges, subject to funding.
Status
- Bill #: HB 3551
- Primary sponsor: Rep. Michael Crawford; cosponsors: Marcus C. Evans, Jr.; Nicholas K. Smith; Norma Hernandez; Barbara Hernandez
- Introduced: February 18, 2025 (filed with Clerk Feb 7, 2025)
- Latest action: Read first time (Mar 25, 2025); referred to Public Education; House Committee Amendment No. 1 filed Mar 20, 2025 and re‑referred to Rules Mar 21, 2025.
- Effective date (if enacted): July 1, 2025.
Purpose
- Establishes an “Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program” administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to expand adult (age 25+) access to online or largely online postsecondary programs by providing need‑based grants that cover tuition and mandatory fees.
Key provisions (current version as amended by House Amendment 001)
- Program start: ISAC shall begin receiving and considering grant applications beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, subject to appropriation.
- Eligible applicants: Illinois residents, U.S. permanent residents, age >25, accepted/enrolled in a “qualified program” (a bachelor’s or certificate program with at least 60% instruction delivered online), completed the FAFSA, identify the credential sought, demonstrate they would be deterred from enrollment without the grant, and have not already received a baccalaureate degree.
- Grant use and amount: Grants apply only to tuition and mandatory fees. ISAC sets each award amount up to a maximum of $5,000 per student. Total grant plus other aid in a fiscal year cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance at the institution. Grants cover up to two semesters (or equivalent) within an academic year. Funds are paid directly to the qualified institution on the student’s behalf.
- Qualified institutions: Either institutions already defined under Section 10 of the Act or a not‑for‑profit postsecondary institution that: is originally chartered and currently operating as not‑for‑profit; has a 3‑year cohort default rate ≤10%; whose average annual full‑time tuition/fees over the prior 4 years is less than the average at Illinois public universities (per ED data); and participates in Pell and at least two specified federal aid programs (e.g., Federal Work‑Study, Federal Direct Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant). Institutions must be regionally accredited.
- Program administration and priorities: Up to 3% of the program appropriation may be used by ISAC for administration. ISAC will establish application forms, supporting documentation requirements, rules, and a methodology to prioritize applicants. The amendment’s priority list emphasizes: (1) students ineligible for other State‑based aid, (2) students demonstrating greatest financial need (using FAFSA methodology), (3) first‑generation students, and (4) other criteria ISAC deems necessary.
- Rulemaking: ISAC shall adopt rules necessary for implementation.
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiaries: Illinois adult learners (age >25) lacking a bachelor’s degree who seek predominantly online certificates or bachelor’s programs and face financial barriers.
- Participating institutions: Not‑for‑profit postsecondary institutions that meet the accreditation, financial aid participation, cohort default, and tuition comparability conditions.
- State budget: Program operates subject to appropriation; ISAC may use up to 3% of appropriations for administration.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Program cannot operate until funded by the General Assembly. The bill is in early committee stages and has an amendment pending in Rules; further committee hearings, votes, and floor action are required before final passage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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