Chicago State University says that in March it will run out of money to make payroll as it waits for long overdue state funding.
The money for Chicago State and the eight other public universities is being held up by the dispute between Governor Bruce Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly over the state budget deficit.
Most schools have money to fall back on.
Chicago State spokesman Tom Wogan says the predominantly black school on the city's South Side will have less than it needs to meet its $5 million monthly payroll if the budget stalemate continues.
No one knows what happens then. Wogan says the school is working to increase outside donations so it will not have to rely on the state in the future.
