The private colleges of Illinois – from Northwestern to McKendree and everywhere in between – are trying to make
their voices heard. About 60 institutions are in the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, which has issued a new report to the governor and legislature.
In addition to wanting some attention for themselves, the mostly small colleges want to urge lawmakers to continue the MAP – Monetary Assistance Program.
“To me, that’s really great public policy, when you give a student a grant and say, pick the institution that’s the best fit for you,” says Dave Tretter, president of the federation, “whether it’s community college or a public or a private. That’s worked pretty well. That’s a pretty successful program in Illinois.”