The MAP grant is awarded to undergraduate Illinois residents attending an in-state college or university. MAP grants are based on need and are funded by the Illinois State Assistance Commission (ISAC), an agency of the State of Illinois. You are automatically considered for it when you complete the FAFSA before the ISAC cut-off date.
We recommend that you file your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st to be considered for the MAP Grant. If you file your FAFSA after the cut-off date, which ISAC announces each year, you may not receive MAP funding even if you are eligible based on your application.
MAP regulations require you to enroll for 15 credit hours per quarter to receive the full award. If you enroll during the Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters, you will receive one-third of the award during each quarter. If you enroll part time or for only part of the academic year, your award will be prorated according to ISAC rules. MAP awards are only granted for up to 135 credit hours, after which a student is no longer eligible. The award is restricted to tuition and mandatory fees.
Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students who are ineligible from federal financial aid to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a pathway for these students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.