Grants
Grants are financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid as long as you complete your classes. These federal and state grants are awarded to students with financial need based on their FAFSA information.
Federal Pell Grant
Eligibility assumes full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours per semester). Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will have a reduced award amount for that semester.
The Pell Grant is available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. (Please note – summer eligibility no longer requires minimum enrollment.)
- A fall/spring award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.
- A summer award will be added if you register for summer classes and you have met the eligibility criteria. Funding is limited to eligible educational expenses included in a student’s cost of attendance.
There are 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.
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.
For students whose award offer includes an Illinois MAP grant, the following information is provided by ISAC:
You may be eligible for a State of Illinois MAP grant.
Because you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you are also considered for financial aid from the state of Illinois. You may qualify for a state of Illinois MAP grant—financial aid from the state of Illinois that is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. If you are eligible:
- Your financial aid offer from the school includes an estimated amount listed as IL MAP (estimated).
- The amount listed is an estimate. The final amount may change depending on how much funding the state provides this year, as well as the number of hours you’re enrolled and your other sources of aid.
- MAP grant awards may be received for up to about 4½ years of full-time college.
- You can learn more about the state of Illinois MAP grant and check how many credit hours you have used on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website.
You may also qualify for help with dependent care expenses and food costs.
- Ask your financial aid office if you would benefit from the federal dependent care allowance.
- Call 800.359.2163 or visit the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hotline for information about food assistance.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800.843.6154 for information about the Child Care Assistance Program and/or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Additional details available in the 2026-27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) Rights & Responsibilities.
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