Macon Reporter

This fall, Illinois universities will begin using an online application service to help decrease the number of students leaving the state by simplifying the college application process.

The online service would allow college hopefuls easier access to multiple colleges and universities, according to Illinois Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz during an interview. Ruiz also said the state's 12 public universities will be added to the Common Application's list of colleges later this year.

"There is now one common app where students can go and access all our public universities," Ruiz told Fox 32 Chicago. "Illinois becomes only the second state in the nation to have all its public universities on the Common App."

Ruiz said the reason for using the Common App was to help mitigate the number of potential students leaving the state to search for higher education opportunities. In the 2022 state budget, Gov. J.B. Pritzker included $1 million to help state universities cover the cost of Common App for students.

"It makes it easier for students to explore all the great options at all our 12 public universities," Ruiz said, "It just takes a lot of complexity out of the system and it's much easier and highlights opportunities for individuals who may not be aware."

Ruiz also said that public universities were "enthusiastically joining the effort" by highlighting the various programs of study they have to offer in order to generate more interest among potential students.

"We hope it promotes more and provides more opportunities and creates more work for admission offices across the state," Ruiz said," We want to have robust enrollments at all our public universities"

The Common App service is also available for transfer students or international students looking for education opportunities in Illinois, according to Ruiz.

Additionally, Ruiz stated the single application process Common App provides could also be easier for more technologically proficient high school students to utilize.

Common App is a non-profit membership organization that focuses on connecting college applicants to hundreds of universities and colleges across the country.