State of IL Map Grant EST (MAP)

 

State of IL MAP Grant (Est) is a grant provided by the state for Illinois students attending Illinois colleges. The data provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is shared with the state who calculates the student award. Eligibility is based on financial need, application date, enrollment, etc. 

 

ELIGIBILITY

  • Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) is based on financial need and enrollment.
  • Meet Illinois MAP Grant eligibility requirements. 
  • Students may receive up to 135 credit hours of MAP Grant. 
  • Available for Fall and Spring semesters.
  • MAP funds are limited to one college or university each enrollment period.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form or in some instances, Illinois undocumented students and transgender students who are not eligible for federal financial aid [and do not file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)], may apply for a State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant using the online Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, which is patterned after the FAFSA®. More information is available at the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act page of this website. 

 

PAYMENT CALCULATION

Students must be enrolled for at least 15 credits per semester to receive the full amount of the MAP Grant shown on the award letter. When enrolled in less than 15 credits the award is prorated as follows:  Award ÷ 15 x credits enrolled. This award may only be applied to tuition and the registration fee.

 

PAYING TUITION AND REFUNDS

  • MAP Grant is applied to the student's tuition approximately two weeks prior to the tuition deadline.  An estimated payment will show on the student's bill following registration.
  • MAP Grant is adjusted through the 9th calendar day of the term called the Census Date for nine- to 16-week classes.

 

SUMMER

  • MAP Grant is not available for Summer enrollment.

 

STATE OF ILLINOIS MONETARY AWARD GRANT DISCLOSURES FOR 2023-2024

By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you have been considered for the State of Illinois (IL) Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. All MAP-approved institutions are required by the State of Illinois to announce MAP Grant awards to students who are enrolled or intending to enroll at their institution. An award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.

The MAP Grant award amount is an estimate made by the financial aid office and is identified as a "State of IL MAP Grant (Est)." Please be aware that the number of available MAP Grants is limited by funding levels approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor, and reductions to estimated or actual MAP Grants are possible.

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. Usage is tracked by the number of credit hours for which you’ve received MAP benefits and is referred to as MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCHs). The maximum number of MPCHs that can be received is 135, which is equivalent to approximately four-and-a-half years of full-time enrollment. For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs, as well as other student resources, through the ISAC Student Portal at studentportal.isac.org.

Eligibility for the need-based MAP Grant award may indicate that you are eligible for assistance with expenses such as food, housing or childcare for dependent children. If you have dependent-care expenses, ask the financial aid office about the federal dependent care allowance. For eligibility and application information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Child Care Assistance Program, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800.843.6154 or dhs.state.il.us. Contact the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hunger Hotline at 800.359.2163 or ilhunger.org.

 

STATE OF ILLINOIS MONETARY AWARD GRANT DISCLOSURES FOR 2022-2023 

By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you have been considered for the State of Illinois (IL) Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. All MAP-approved institutions are required by the State of Illinois to announce MAP Grant awards to students who are enrolled or intending to enroll at their institution. An award amount is included in your
financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.

The MAP Grant award amount is an estimate made by the financial aid office and is identified as a "State of IL MAP Grant (Est)." Please be aware that the number of available MAP Grants is limited by funding levels approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor, and reductions to estimated or actual MAP Grants are possible.

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. Usage is tracked by the number of credit hours for which you’ve received MAP benefits and is referred to as MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCHs). The maximum number of MPCHs that can be received is 135, which is equivalent to approximately four-and-a-half years of full-time enrollment. For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs, as well as other student resources, through the ISAC Student Portal at studentportal.isac.org.


Eligibility for the need-based MAP Grant award may be an indicator that you are eligible for state or federal benefits to assist you with cost of living expenses such as food or housing. For information about programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800.843.6154 or visit dhs.state.il.us for eligibility and application information, or contact the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hunger Hotline at 800.359.2163 or visit ilhunger.org.