Created by the General Assembly in 1961, the Illinois Board of Higher Education is the coordinating body for the state's systems of college and universities including: nine public universities on 12 campuses; 39 community colleges on 48 campuses; 104 independent not-for-profit colleges and universities; 15 independent for-profit institutions; and 26 out-of-state institutions. IBHE also oversees 213 private business and vocational schools, along with 79 extension campuses. Private business and vocational schools are privately owned/operated and educate students who have a high school degree or equivalent in preparation for a trade, vocation, or profession.

The IBHE Board is comprised of 16 members, ten of which are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member each of a public university governing board and of a private college/university board is appointed by the Governor. Also serving are the chairman of the Illinois Community College Board; the chairman of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission; and two student members. One of the 10 appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate must be a faculty member at an Illinois public university.