Illinois Tuition Promise Program to make QU more affordable for working students beginning in 2024-25

QUINCY — Quincy University recently announced a scholarship program to 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 percent 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 2024-25 academic year, file the FAFSA application form and are eligible for the Illinois Monetary Assistance Program and the federal Pell Grant.

In a press release, Brian McGee, president of Quincy University, said, “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. 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.

“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, which 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, 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 help to fulfill their college dreams.”

Quincy University is making this commitment in part thanks to the generosity of donors who have funded scholarships and make other financial gifts to the university.

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 (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.