ĸ’s proud commitment to educational accessibility continues with the introduction of the ĸPledge. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, all accepted students from Illinois with an annual household income below $50,000 can attend ĸtuition-free. Eligible students will receive a financial aid package that fully covers tuition through scholarships and grants. The ĸPledge is guaranteed for four years as long as the initial conditions are met and the student is enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student.
“I’m beyond thrilled that the ĸPledge will create new opportunities for students across Illinois to experience a college education,” said ĸPresident Ali Malekzadeh. “We at ĸbelieve that income should not be a barrier to earning a degree, and I’m pleased that the Pledge has the potential to allow more students to attend our institution regardless of their financial background”
To achieve the ĸPledge, the University will pay for any tuition costs not covered by other sources, including federal, state, institutional or private aid like the Federal Pell Grant, the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant and others. ĸPledge students can still also qualify for additional financial aid (such as loans or work-study opportunities) to help with other costs like food and housing, books and personal expenses.
The ĸPledge is just one of many recent initiatives to continue Roosevelt’s legacy of education accessibility, including expanded opportunities for veterans, an upcoming campus STEM center focused on Hispanic students and reduced tuition for undergraduate Lakers of all backgrounds.
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