Data shows free test prep for college students boosts equity

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A plan to make Illinois the first state in the nation to provide free test preparation classes for public university students is gaining steam in Springfield. New data shows that if the State of Illinois offers these classes to students, first generation and minority students will benefit the most.

Also, free test preparation classes can help reduce the massive nursing and physician shortage in Illinois. By 2025, Illinois will have a shortage of 15,000 nurses, according to ANA-Illinois, part of the American Nurses Association.

State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee, is requesting at least $10 million in funding in the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget for the effort. A final budget is expected to be approved by Friday, May 19.

“Research has shown that traditionally underserved students have been locked out of opportunities because of poor or non-existent preparation for critical graduate school and professional licensure exams,” Ford said “This holds us back as a nation and continues to lock the doors of opportunity to some truly great talent in our state.

“The time of inaction and ignoring the truth must end in Illinois. As Chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, Illinois has a shortage of doctors, and nurses, and many more professional roles - and giving students that can't afford exam preparation free classes is one solution to grow these professions in our state.”

New data is bolstering Ford’s effort. At Cleveland State University, 440 students have already signed up for universal exam prep, saving students $397,736. Of those 440 students, 41 percent are low income and 40 percent are First Generation college students, which means they are the first in their family to go to college.

“Earning high scores on graduate admissions exams can open so many more doors for

students in their chosen fields and careers,” said Brittany Wampler, director of career

development and exploration at CSU. “In eliminating the test preparation cost barrier, we’re leveling the playing field for all CSU students to have the ability to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue.”

Additionally, several Historically Black Colleges and Universities have embraced free test preparation including Howard University, Xavier University, Hampton University, Stillman, Delaware State, and Fisk University.

Also importantly, many lawmakers have complained that students are leaving Illinois for other Midwestern universities.

“Free test preparation is a selling point for Illinois universities that will differentiate them from other Midwestern schools,” Ford said.