In the 2022 state budget, Gov. J.B. Pritzker included $1 million to help state universities cover the cost of Common App for students. | Stock Photo
In the 2022 state budget, Gov. J.B. Pritzker included $1 million to help state universities cover the cost of Common App for students. | Stock Photo
Public universities in Illinois will begin using Common Application later this fall to help mitigate students' migration out of the state by easing the process of applying to college into one centralized system.
Common App is a single online application service that college hopefuls can use to apply to multiple colleges and universities. This fall, the state's 12 public universities will be added to the Common App's list of colleges.
"There is now one common app where students can go and access all our public universities," Illinois Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz said in an interview with Fox 32 Chicago. "Illinois becomes only the second state in the nation to have all its public universities on the Common App."
According to Ruiz, the goal of implementing the Common App was to help mitigate the number of students leaving the state to search for higher education opportunities. In the 2022 state budget, Gov. J.B. Pritzker included $1 million to help state universities cover the cost of Common App for students.
"It makes it easier for students to explore all the great options at all our 12 public universities," Ruiz said, "It just takes a lot of complexity out of the system, and it's much easier and highlights opportunities for individuals who may not be aware."
Additionally, Ruiz stated that public universities are "enthusiastically joining the effort" by highlighting the various programs of study they have to offer in the hope this will generate more interest and create a greater volume of applications to colleges in the state.
"We hope it promotes more and provides more opportunities and creates more work for admission offices across the state," Ruiz said." We want to have robust enrollments at all our public universities."
According to Ruiz, the single application process Common App provides could also be easier for more technologically proficient high school students to utilize.
Ruiz also stated that the service is available for transfer students out of state or international students looking for education opportunities in Illinois.
Common App is a nonprofit membership organization that focuses on connecting college applicants to hundreds of universities and colleges across the country.
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