Test Prep Program Provides Tremendous Savings for Illinois College Students

CHICAGO – In a groundbreaking initiative, Illinois public university and community college students have collectively saved more than $13 million through a program that offers free, universal test and licensure preparation.

The impressive savings figure eclipses the state’s $10 million investment in the program, highlighting its success and impact. Senator Elgie Sims, chair of the Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee, and Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, chair of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee, were instrumental in the program’s launch and emphasized its importance for students.

“Access to affordable, high-quality test preparation can be the difference between a dream realized and a dream deferred for students at Chicago State and other universities,” said Sims. “In just a few short months, this initiative has helped thousands of students save over $13 million—money that can be reinvested in tuition, housing, books, and our communities. That’s a great deal for taxpayers for our $10 million investment, and it has already helped more students qualify for medical school.”

The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program, launched nine months ago, made Illinois the first state in the U.S. to provide universal test preparation for graduate school, licensure, and career exams for all students enrolled in public universities and select community colleges. Funded through the state budget and administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) in partnership with Kaplan, the initiative covers essential exams in high-demand fields such as medicine, nursing, law, accounting, real estate, and cybersecurity.

By removing barriers to access, the program is not only helping students prepare for critical exams but is also strengthening the workforce in Illinois. “Research shows that traditionally underserved students have been locked out of opportunities due to inadequate preparation for critical exams,” Ford added. “Illinois has a shortage of doctors and nurses, and providing free exam preparation is one solution to growing these essential professions in our state.”

Nathanael Concepcion, a senior at Chicago State University, expressed his gratitude for the program, stating, “I hope to be a public attorney. This program is an outstanding tool that has given me a fighting chance to get a competitive score that law schools are going to look at.”

Dr. Concetta Williams, a business professor at CSU, encouraged students to take advantage of the more than 40 available courses designed to support their academic and career aspirations. “Think about what we can save families in two years. That far surpasses the state’s $10 million budget investment. The state will significantly multiply its investment by the end of the year,” she remarked.

As Illinois continues to pioneer educational access and equity, the success of the Prepare for Illinois’ Future program serves as a model for other states looking to empower their students and strengthen their workforce.

For more details, watch the press conference video here.