By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News

Illinois senators have heard the story of college affordability, or the lack of it, from a panel of experts.

A University of Illinois instructor is more optimistic. Jennifer Delaney, assistant professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership told senators going to college provides students a tremendous opportunity.

Delaney pointed to the $1 million in lifetime earnings that separates the bachelor’s degree holders from the others.

Over the last five years, Illinois has become less affordable, faster, for middle- and low-income families than almost any other state in the Union, said Jim Applegate, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Delaney also gave an anecdote about a college dropout she read online, quoting Bill Gates, creator of Microsoft.

Gates wrote, “Although I dropped out of college and got lucky pursuing a career in software, getting a degree is a much shorter path to success.

On the other hand, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Jim Applegate says college costs are out of control.