Illinois Valley Community College awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships in 2026, enabling 95 percent of graduates to finish school debt free, President Dr. Tracy Morris told the Board of Trustees on Tuesday.
The college has seen significant growth in financial aid over the last three years. Since 2024, the Foundation has seen a 63 percent increase in scholarship applicants, a 45 percent increase in scholarship awards, and a 22 percent increase in total dollars awarded, Morris said.
In 2026, scholarships were awarded to 60 percent of students who applied.
Morris also reported mixed enrollment trends as the fall semester begins. Online dual credit, dual credit and online web enrollment increased, while headcount and traditional…