This paper describes current, official, statewide policy toward Illinois' 125 private colleges and universities. An opening section describes the historical development of higher education policy in the state since 1945. The next section summarizes the major current board of education policies in regulation, planning, student financial aid, institutional aid, and categorical assistance. The following section discusses in detail the role and contributions of private institutions in Illinois in meeting instructional needs, assisting economic development, and contributing to statewide educational priorities. Revenue and expenditure trends are considered in the following section. A subsequent section looks at state support for nonpublic higher education through Illinois Student Assistance Commission Programs, the Illinois Financial Assistance Act, and Board of Higher Education Categorical Grant Programs in engineering, health services education, Cooperation Act grants, cooperative work study, science and technology, and repair and renovation. Next the paper discusses how the Illinois Board of Education's "PQP" (Priorities, Quality, Productivity) statewide initiative to enhance quality, increase institutional productivity and focus resources on highest priority educational objectives. The PQP issues that concern private institutions are similar to those concerning public colleges and universities. A final section announces that the Board will soon address PQP issues for private colleges and continue to work on issues discussed in this document. Appended are 18 tables. (JB)