<p>'Unfortunately, financial aid for our students has not kept pace with increasing tuition,' U. of I. president Michael Hogan said at a board meeting at UIC. 'That widening gap is threatening the dreams of many deserving students.' ... Because of declining state support, U. of I.s $4.7 billion budget now relies more on tuition than money from the state. And while the university has put more money toward financial aid -- $51 million for this upcoming year there are still many needy students who dont get the help neeed to make attending U. of I. a reality. ... the top reason admitted students give for not choosing Urbana-Champaign is the cost and lack of financial aid. ... Officials expect the additional funding to be available to students starting in spring or fall 2012. The campuses will decide how to dole out the financial aid. The Urbana-Champaign campus expects to target first-year and continuing students, while UIC will use it to provide help to medical, dental and pharmacy students whose pay among the highest rates. The Springfield campus may focus on transfer students."</p>