Federal scholarships could give low-income students access to ACT tutors and study materials to help them improve on the college exam.
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit could give low-income high school students access to ACT prep services and materials that would help them compete for college spots.
Illinois’ low-income high school students already lag the state average in reading and math. These students could use scholarship funds to get ACT tutoring and study materials, but only if Gov. J.B. Pritzker allows Illinois students to receive the federal scholarships.
Increasing ACT scores is an avenue to lower student loan burdens if students’ scores make them eligible for merit-based scholarships.
The recently released Illinois Report Card shows large proficiency gaps between low-income 11th grade students and the statewide average in math and reading. But achievement gaps are even greater between Illinois’ low-income students and those who are not low income. Low-income students recorded proficiency rates in reading and math that were 34 and 35 points lower than peers who were not needy.
If Pritzker and Illinois leaders opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, the scholarships in 2027 will help level the playing field to give low-income families access to the educational offerings high-income families can already afford. It would allow students to receive scholarship funds to help them find a tutor, additional educational classes, books or online education materials and even cover fees for the exam.
Access to preparation resources through scholarships could help students score higher on standardized testing, where a “single test point can give you access to thousands of dollars in financial aid.”
In Illinois, the average price of attending a state university increased by 66% between 2009 and 2025. It now costs in-state students about $6,028 more per year, according to Illinois Board of Higher Education data.
If students score higher on their ACT exams, it creates an opportunity to earn merit-based scholarships which help lessen student loan burdens. More than 4-in-10 people take on student loans when pursuing education beyond high school.
When people in Illinois are being priced out of college because Illinois has the third-highest average state tuition, students need the opportunity to lower the cost.
By reducing barriers for low-income students to access resources that will help them prepare for the ACT, they could become stronger applicants for college scholarships.
The choice to pursue education beyond high school should not be hindered for Illinois’ low-income students because money limits their access to tutors and preparatory materials.
Illinois can support its most at-risk students. Donors will get federal tax credits up to $1,700 regardless of what Pritzker does, but if Pritzker and state lawmakers do not let Illinois join the program those funds will help students in other states.
Illinois will have failed to properly educate its low-income students and then failed to let them benefit from donors trying to lend a hand.
