For the third consecutive year, public universities in Illinois have seen increased enrollment with more than 190,000 students enrolled during the fall semester of the 2026-27 academic year. This is the highest enrolment since 2015.
Total student enrollment across Illinois’ 12 public universities increased to 190,114 students, up 287 students from last year.
The fall 2026 enrollment report highlights:
- Undergraduate enrollment increased by 1.8%, or 2,464 students, to 136,795 total undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment increased at seven of the 12 Illinois public universities.
- Enrollment of first-time, full-time freshmen increased at seven of the state’s 12 public universities.
- Enrollment of African American and Latino students increased overall, including at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Total enrollment of African American students increased by 7%, and total enrollment of Latino students increased by 3.5%, or 1,156 students.
- Since fall 2023, online enrollment increased from 27,571 students to 32,901 students in fall 2026 – an increase of 19.3%.
Illinois continues to invest in higher education to ensure it remains accessible and affordable for everyone. Since FY19, funding for public universities has increased by nearly $263 million (25%). In the FY27 budget, $721.6 million was invested to maintain the Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding level, representing a $320 million funding increase (80% increase) in need-based assistance since FY19.
You can view the full report from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) here: First Look Fall Enrollment.
