The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education Releases State Report Card on Illinois

With the release of its national report card, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education notes mixed results on higher education in the United States. Most states improved their scores on college preparation, participation, benefits, and completion-but not enough to remain competitive with foreign nations. The Center also failed 49 states on college affordability (California received a C-). In addition to its national study, the Center released report cards for each state.

So how did Illinois score?

On preparation, Illinois received a B. In particular, the Center points to a satisfactory performance among eighth graders in math, reading, and writing. However, students are doing poorly in science. Preparation is measured by high school graduation, courses available, student proficiencies, scores on exams, and teacher quality.

On participation, Illinois received a C. The Center notes that while this category is a slight improvement from the last study, fewer residents are entering college. While attendance is slightly up for 18-24 year olds, attendance rates have dropped for 25-49 year olds. Participation is measured by college eligibility and college enrollment.

On college affordability, Illinois received its worse grade: an F. Illinois is among the 49 states that have failed in this category. The tuition for Illinois's public universities are higher than the national average, and Illinois offers less aid money than the national Pell Grant. Affordability is measured by a family's ability to pay, availability of financial aid based on need, the number of colleges offering low tuition, and how many students rely on loans.

On completion, Illinois received its highest grade: a B+. Fifty-nine percent of students graduate from college within six years. Completion is measured by how many students return to college after the first year, and how many students receive their Bachelor's degree within six years.

On benefits, Illinois received a B. A high proportion of Illinoisans have a bachelor's degree and vote and donate in high numbers. Benefits are measured by the number of adults with degrees, higher earning power based on college attendance, voting and volunteering rates, charity donations, and literacy.

However, even with Illinois's slight advances, the state still has significant challenges to solve in its educational system. Most notably, the Center revealed that Illinois has significant gaps between the achievements of whites and minorities in higher education.

In fact, the Center notes that Illinois has the largest gap in college completion rates in the United States between blacks (34 percent) and whites (65 percent). There are also significant gaps among blacks, Hispanics, and whites in the categories of preparation, participation, and benefits.

The full results of Illinois's state report card can be found here: http://measuringup2008.highereducation.org/print/state_reports/short/IL.pdf

To find the national study, click this link: http://measuringup2008.highereducation.org/print/NCPPHEMUNationalRpt.pdf

To find any state's study summary, click this link: http://measuringup2008.highereducation.org/states/index.php