In May 2008, a public opinion survey was conducted on the attitudes and opinions of Illinois residents regarding higher education. Areas investigated included the overall value of a college degree in today’s economy, assessment of the State’s colleges and universities, issues pertaining to costs of attendance and financing the State’s colleges and universities, as well as future investment priorities for higher education in Illinois.

Based on the survey results, the public recognizes that education is an important issue. However, they are not overly impressed with how well Illinois public colleges and universities are performing. For example, in the backdrop of significant increases in tuition and fees, Illinois residents are not convinced that students are getting their money’s worth.