Addresses shortage of engineering talent, puts up to $60,000 toward student loan debt
In an effort to address a nationwide shortage of people entering the profession and attract young talent, the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a hiring initiative that will pay $15,000 of eligible student loan debt annually for up to 50 new civil engineers who graduated from Illinois schools. Payments will be capped at a total of $60,000 and begin once the engineer has worked at IDOT at least four years.
“Engineers at IDOT make a positive impact on the public every day,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This program will reduce the financial burden for new engineers coming out of college and open the door to a meaningful career.”
The Higher Education Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Engineers Pilot Program will provide student loan repayment assistance in the form of an annual bonus after taxes of $15,000 a year for no more than four years. The program will be available for titles and areas with the greatest staffing needs.
To be eligible, the engineer must be hired by the department on or after July 1, 2024, and work at IDOT for four continuous years. Upcoming positions qualifying for the program will be identified in job postings.
