A NEW REPORT FROM THE ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHOWS THAT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE CONTINUING TO FLOCK TO OUT OF STATE COLLEGES. 

IN 2017, NEARLY HALF OF COLLEGE-BOUND GRADS HEADED TO FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS IN STATES LIKE IOWA, INDIANA AND WISCONSIN. THE BOARD’S DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND RESEARCH ERIC LICHTENBERGER SAYS THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING TREND THAT’S INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS.

LICHTENBERGER SAYS THE NUMBERS DEFINITELY INCREASED DURING THE BUDGET IMPASSE A FEW YEARS AGO, WHEN FUNDING WAS IN QUESTION.

OVERALL…ONE OUT OF FIVE HIGH SCHOOL GRADS SEEKS HIGHER EDUCATION OUT OF STATE. LICHTENBERGER SAYS THIS IS CONCERNING SINCE STUDENTS OFTEN STAY IN THE STATE WHERE THEY GO TO SCHOOL.