AIM HIGH stands for Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education. It is a state grant program delivered through 12 public four-year universities, not one central scholarship application with the same award for every student.
General criteria include Illinois residency, attendance at an Illinois high school, full-time undergraduate study toward a first degree, a FAFSA, and demonstrated need. The program uses income limits tied to eight times the federal poverty guideline, while each university sets additional GPA or test criteria, dates, and possible documents. Federal and state eligibility rules for some immigration categories changed for 2026–27; check ISAC’s current notice if using an alternative application.
ISAC allocates funds to universities, and each student’s amount depends on annual appropriations, campus rules, and the mix of scholarships and aid. The grant is renewable if the student continues meeting requirements; ISAC says a renewal should not fall below the initial award unless the cost of attendance decreases, such as after reducing credits or changing programs.
Find your university in the official AIM HIGH campus list and read its campus policy. File FAFSA and ask the financial-aid office whether an additional institutional form or earlier date applies. If you are interested in the university matching funds, confirm whether they go to the same students or use different criteria.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
AIM HIGH Grant Program — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
FY27 ISAC Program Funding — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
FAFSA and Alternative Application Notices — ISAC.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
AIM HIGH Grant
General criteria include Illinois residency, attendance at an Illinois high school, full-time undergraduate study toward a first degree, a FAFSA, and demonstrated need. The program uses income limits tied to eight times the federal poverty guideline, while each university sets additional GPA or test criteria, dates, and possible documents. Federal and state eligibility rules for some immigration categories changed for 2026–27; check ISAC’s current notice if using an alternati
Public student-aid program
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
ISAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of AIM HIGH Grant ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) ↗
Primary source
ISAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.