Grants

A grant is financial aid that does not have to be repaid as long as you complete your classes. All federal grants are awarded to students with financial need.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grant eligibility is based on the information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government calculates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which determines your financial aid award.

Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will have a reduced award amount. Funding is limited to eligible educational expenses included in a student’s cost of attendance.

Some students may also qualify for a Summer Pell Grant:

  • Students who received Pell Grants for full-time enrollment in the fall and spring semesters must enroll in a minimum six credit hours during summer to qualify for a Summer Pell Grant.
  • Students who received Pell Grants for less-than-full-time enrollment in the fall and/or spring semesters will be eligible for a Summer Pell Grant with no minimum enrollment

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive the Pell Grant. Lifetime eligibility is limited to the equivalent of six years of full-time enrollment. Additional information available at Federal Student Aid.

An award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional need. Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will have a reduced award amount.

Due to limited funding, preference is given to students who are registered for the fall semester and have completed financial aid requirements by May 15.

Illinois Monetary Award (MAP) Grant
Eligibility is determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Students are encouraged to file their FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 each year to meet state processing deadlines, which vary year to year.

Students enrolled in less than 15 credit hours will have a reduced award amount. (Minimum enrollment in at least 3 credit hours.) Funding does not apply to summer classes. Funding is limited to tuition only and does not apply to books, supplies, lab fees or other expenses.

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 fulltime 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 child care 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. Contact the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hunger Hotline at 800-359-2163.

Additional details available in the 2023-24 Monetary Award Program (MAP) Rights & Responsibilities.