Illinois’ public colleges are in trouble and it could have an impact on higher education in Indiana.

It’s more than halfway into the fiscal year and Illinois’ Republican governor and Democratic-controlled legislature are still deadlocked over the state budget.

The impasse means the state’s 12 public universities and 48 community colleges haven’t received a penny of state funding going on nine months now.

It’s a nerve-wracking time for students. They’re on the line for tuition because the state isn’t paying out money for grants and scholarships. And they can’t help but ask is it worth it? As Sara Wittmeyer reports given the uncertain future, some students are choosing to transfer.