Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant

One of the largest state need-based grant programs in the country, MAP pays up to $8,400 per year directly toward tuition and mandatory fees at an approved Illinois college for eligible Illinois residents, funded annually by the Illinois General Assembly. Eligibility is need-based only, determined from the FAFSA -- there is no GPA or test-score requirement -- and usage is capped at 135 lifetime MAP-paid credit hours. Because appropriated funding is historically insufficient for demand, ISAC sets an annual suspension date after which new applicants go on a waitlist; for 2026-27 this is April 23, 2026, with a March 1, 2026 priority deadline for returning recipients. Following a July 24, 2026 federal court ruling, undocumented students using the Alternative Application pathway are ineligible for 2026-27 MAP funds, and the 2026-27 Alternative Application closed July 30, 2026; a 2027-28 Alternative Application is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Eligibility

DemographicsMust be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and an Illinois resident (for dependents, the parent whose information is used on the FAFSA must be an Illinois resident); cannot already hold a bachelor's degree. Following a July 24, 2026 federal court ruling, undocumented students using the Alternative Application pathway are currently ineligible for 2026-27 MAP funds (that application closed July 30, 2026); a 2027-28 Alternative Application is scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Applying

Maximum annual award for 2023-24 and subsequent academic years is $8,400, but the actual award is the least of: calculated financial need, the college's tuition/fee cap, or $8,400 -- and is prorated by enrolled credit hours (full amount requires 15+ credit hours/term). Subject to change based on state appropriations each year.