The University of Illinois Springfield has joined a the College Cost Transparency Initiative (CCT) as a distinguished partner. This significant affiliation underscores UIS' unwavering commitment to the principles and standards championed by the CCT Initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive and understandable details to prospective and current students about the cost of higher education.

As part of the process, UIS submitted a sample aid offer for review and met the criteria to become a recognized partner. This submission was one step in UIS' broader efforts to align with the CCT Initiative.

In another step to meet CCT standards, will launch an updated self-service portal for students in February 2024. This updated web portal will not only ensure that the student’s aid offer is easy to access but simultaneously align with the CCT Initiative’s principles and standards.

The CCT Initiative, launched in 2022 by leaders from 10 higher education associations, focuses on making student financial aid offers clearer, more accurate and consistent by creating a set of guidelines and basic standards for developing these offers.

As an official CCT Initiative partner institution, UIS continues to be dedicated to promoting fairness, accessibility and transparency in the financial aid process. By adhering to the guidelines and criteria set by this initiative, UIS aims to empower students and their families to make well-informed decisions about their financial responsibilities and educational options.

 “UIS is proud to contribute to the College Cost Transparency Initiative, ensuring all students receive clear and accurate financial aid information, said Laci Engelbrecht, UIS director of financial aid. “We believe in providing a comprehensive understanding of university costs and available aid. Our financial aid offer notifications include an estimate of the student’s cost of attendance, a breakdown of financial aid, and an estimated net price so that students can plan for any out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff is available to explain this information to students and walk them through the process.”

For more information on the College Cost Transparency Initiative, visit their website.