The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program, a statewide partnership administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, is providing University of Illinois Springfield students with free access to Kaplan’s test prep resources for graduate admissions, licensure and credentialing exams, as well as skills development courses.

The initiative is designed to help students prepare for their careers and create equitable pathways to in-demand fields such as nursing, teaching and cybersecurity.

Since enrollment opened on Feb. 18, UIS students have signed up for more than 208 courses through the program, saving more than $190,000. The first-of-its-kind workforce development and education initiative provides UIS undergraduate and graduate students with free access to more than 40 test prep courses, including exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and NCLEX. The program also offers professional skills and licensure courses in data analytics, project management and cybersecurity.

Last month, Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to provide free comprehensive test prep services to all students attending public universities and five community colleges. In its first three weeks, the program has saved Illinois students more than $3 million in test prep costs.

“By providing free access to test prep for graduate admissions and licensing exams, the Prepare for Illinois’ Future program provides access to a set of resources that might otherwise be financially out of reach for many of our students,” said Brandon Schwab, UIS vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. “This initiative ensures our students are better positioned for future opportunities, whether they are pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications.”

UIS MBA student Jordan Serrahn, who is graduating in May, has been preparing for law school with Kaplan’s LSAT test prep program. She plans to apply in 2026 and said the program has provided valuable strategies while helping her save money.

“Beyond increasing my score and confidence in taking the LSAT, Kaplan has also saved me a significant amount of money,” Serrahn said. “The program I am utilizing is usually about $1,800 out of pocket, but with the free Kaplan plan, I am able to access all of those resources for free.”

The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program is a collaboration between the state of Illinois, ISAC and Kaplan. It aims to boost in-state enrollment at public universities, create career pathways for students from underserved urban and rural communities, and address the state’s critical shortages in essential professions such as doctors, nurses and teachers.