Augustana College in Rock Island was awarded about $6.7 million. Knox College in Galesburg received $4.1 million, and Monmouth College $3.5 million.
Kirk Anderson is Augustana's Chief Finanacial Officer. He says the grant will pay for the renovation of a dormitory, Erickson Residence Center.
"The renovated wing is going to have new flooring, new HVAC system," Anderson said. "There's going to be a complete renovation on the restrooms. There will be new paint in the hallways and the bedrooms. And then there will also be new lighting, so there will be LED lightening installed in all of the rooms. There will be new windows, and then lastly they'll be new storage spaces in each room that hopefully will accomidate all the things students bring."
Anderson says that due to the extensive construction of the building, renovations will take place wing by wing over the next few summers.
"My hope around the benefits is that students really enjoy living in those areas," Anderson said. "I think to have an experience where you come back to your room, and you're happy to come back to your room. I think thats one of the many things students hopefully look forward to when they come to Augustana."
The college already started demolition of one wing.
The funds are from the Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant Program.