Wabash and Auditorium Buildings from south

藏精阁鈥檚 proud commitment to educational accessibility continues with the introduction of the 藏精阁 Pledge. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, all accepted students from Illinois with an annual household income below $50,000 can attend 藏精阁 tuition-free. Eligible students will receive a financial aid package that fully covers tuition through scholarships and grants. The 藏精阁 Pledge is guaranteed for four years as long as the initial conditions are met and the student is enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student.

鈥淚鈥檓 beyond thrilled that the 藏精阁 Pledge will create new opportunities for students across Illinois to experience a college education,鈥 said 藏精阁 President Ali Malekzadeh. 鈥淲e at 藏精阁 believe that income should not be a barrier to earning a degree, and I鈥檓 pleased that the Pledge has the potential to allow more students to attend our institution regardless of their financial background鈥

To achieve the 藏精阁 Pledge, 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. 藏精阁 Pledge 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 藏精阁 Pledge is just one of many recent initiatives to continue 藏精阁鈥檚 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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YouTube video still image of Larke Johnson sitting in the Auditorium building wearing a 藏精阁 sweatshirt.

The 藏精阁 junior was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 10 months old, but with assistance from the Learning Commons and RU's mobility-friendly campus, she's succeeded in her Psychology program.

Wabash and Auditorium from south

Becoming involved at 藏精阁 lasts far beyond orientation鈥攖he Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Experiences oversees dozens of student-run organizations, and Lakers are encouraged to establish their own group to reflect their background or interests.

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