GROUP WARNS OF DEVASTATING EFFECTS BUDGET CUTS WILL HAVE ON ILLINOIS HIGHER EDUCATION - Kevin Hoffman KEVIN HOFFMAN, Reboot Illinois

Governor Rauner's proposed cuts likely will mean faculty layoffs, reduced access to career and counseling services, and, most importantly, increased financial costs to students. “Graduating on time is key to keeping college affordable – each extra year at a public four-year university in Illinois costs students and their parents an additional $26,48323,” according to Rips. “Cuts that make it more difficult for students to enroll in courses, to receive needed counseling services, and to receive support on a given pathway will all decrease on-time completion rates and will quickly drive up student debt loads.” If these spending cuts are maintained and state disinvestment continues, it will lead to tuition increases and higher levels of student debt, in turn, disproportionately affecting first-generation and minority students, writes Rips. http://www.rebootillinois.com/2015/04/20/editors-picks/kevin-hoffmanrebootillinois-com/group-warns-of-devastating-effects-budget-cuts-will-have-on-illinois-higher-education/36639/