QU Announces Illinois Tuition Promise Program
For years, students and parents have said that money is their biggest worry when they apply for admission to a college or university. Today, Quincy University announced a new scholarship program that will help make a QU education more affordable for many working students and their families.
Quincy University’s new Illinois Tuition Promise Program will cover 100% of tuition and books for eligible Illinois students seeking undergraduate degrees. The Promise Program applies to new students who are Illinois residents, meet all program enrollment requirements for the 2024-2025 academic year, file the FAFSA application form, and are eligible for the Illinois Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) and the federal Pell Grant.
“At a time when many Illinoisans are worried about college affordability, Quincy University is proud to invest in the future of Illinois by making a private college education affordable for eligible state residents who are admitted to the University and demonstrate significant financial need as evidenced by the FAFSA,” said Brian McGee, PhD, president of Quincy University.
“If the U.S. government and the State of Illinois are willing to support students who have limited financial resources, QU will finish the job by providing institutional scholarships,” said McGee. “What this means is that many Illinois residents who have modest incomes, if they work hard and follow the rules, will earn a QU bachelor’s degree – a private, Catholic education – without paying a single dollar for tuition.”
Based on available census data, tens of thousands of students and families in Illinois will qualify for QU’s Illinois Tuition Promise Program.
The Tuition Promise Program is renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time study provided a student remains enrolled for at least 15 credit hours in each semester, is in good academic standing, and completes the FAFSA each year of enrollment.
“Concerns around college affordability have never been greater, and I am proud that Quincy University has stepped up to ensure that a high quality education grounded in Franciscan values is within reach of bright students across our state regardless of economic circumstance,” said Tom Oliver, MLA, vice president for enrollment and senior director of student financial services. “Illinois and the rest of our nation need educated citizens who not only excel professionally but also recognize the need to use their gifts and talents to make the world a just and more sustainable place. The QU Illinois Tuition Promise Program is one of many ways the University is living out its Catholic and Franciscan values to help those who work hard and need some help to fulfill their college dreams.”
The QU Illinois Tuition Promise Program enhances QU’s commitment to making a high quality education grounded in Catholic and Franciscan values available to all Illinois students. Quincy University is able to make this commitment in part thanks to the generosity of donors who have funded scholarships and make other financial gifts to the university.
As background, Pell grants are provided by the federal government to help pay for the educational needs of students whose families have limited financial resources. The Illinois Monetary Award Program, usually called a MAP grant, supports Illinois residents who have financial need and attend an accredited institution in the state. A grant, like a scholarship, is a financial award that does not require repayment. Students qualify for a Pell grant or MAP grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid or FAFSA.
The full and complete description of the Illinois Tuition Promise Program will be available in December on the Quincy University financial aid website. Certain exclusions may apply for students enrolled in QU’s joint undergraduate degree programs, including nursing. The Tuition Promise Program only applies to students for whom Quincy University is the university of record.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.