The University of Illinois is expanding programs to fill a national teacher shortage.
The College of Education is increasing its doctoral programs in special education.
The U.S Department of Education's Office of Special Education recently awarded the U of I several grants, that will fund an additional 24 doctoral students over the next five years.
Officials said the U of I typically awards four or five doctoral degrees in special education annually.
The programs cover tuition, some fees and a modest stipend for living expenses.