Illinois Launches One Click College Admit to Boost Higher Education Access

A new initiative in Illinois aims to enhance access to higher education for students across the state. The One Click College Admit program, launched by Governor JB Pritzker along with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, will simplify the college admission process for high school seniors and community college transfer students.

This program is set to allow students to gain automatic acceptance into public universities and community colleges in Illinois based solely on their grade point average. In a press release, Governor Pritzker stated, “Enhancing access to Illinois’ public universities and community colleges with One Click College Admit will empower even more talented students across the state to realize their full academic potential through higher education.” He emphasized that this initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to making Illinois a leader in accessible, high-quality education.

The One Click College Admit program will waive application fees, essays, and letters of recommendation, significantly reducing the barriers students often face when applying to college. Ginger Ostro, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, highlighted the program’s goal to ensure that “every student has a spot at one of our state public institutions – making our state’s higher education system more accessible and equitable.”

Starting in fall 2026, high school seniors can expect automatic admission to Illinois public colleges and universities. The program aims to alleviate the stress associated with college applications, particularly for first-generation college students. Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board, stated, “One Click College Admit removes barriers and ensures students know that community college is not just an option—it’s a smart first step toward their future.”

The initiative allows students to create a Common App account where they can input their GPA and basic biographical information, streamlining the admissions process. Eric Zarnikow, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, noted that by eliminating the burdens of essays and fees, the program opens doors for students who might have previously thought college was beyond their reach.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders emphasized the importance of a college degree for economic mobility, stating, “One Click College Admit is removing barriers and making the path to higher education as simple as possible.” The initiative aims to ensure that all students in Illinois can access the opportunities that come with higher education.

Students will have the option to opt-out of the program during their junior year in 2027. To maintain eligibility for direct admission offers, they must submit an online form during their senior year, with parental consent allowing the sharing of GPAs with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The GPAs will then be matched with admission requirements at partner public universities.

Dr. Jason Leahy, Executive Director of the Illinois Principals Association, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “Programs like One Click College Admit continue to streamline the college admissions process that will help keep Illinois’ best and brightest in our state.”

The program will also support community college students beginning in January 2026. Participating students must complete an online opt-in form to share their GPA and transferable credit hours with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which will facilitate matching with partner public universities.

The One Click College Admit program is a collaborative effort involving the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission, with support from the Lumina Foundation’s Great Admissions Redesign challenge. It is important to note that this initiative does not provide free tuition or financial aid. Students are still required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually to determine their financial aid eligibility.

For further information about the program, individuals can visit oneclickadmit.org or oneclickadmit.org/Financial-Aid.html.