Illinois MAP is a need-based state grant for resident undergraduates attending an approved Illinois institution. Funds go directly to tuition and mandatory fees, not to students as cash, and do not themselves cover housing, meals, books, or transportation. The application is FAFSA or the Alternative Application, not a separate MAP form.
ISAC reviews need, residency, undergraduate program, participating college, and prior paid hours; the lifetime limit is 135 MAP Paid Credit Hours. A state Alternative Application may be available to people who cannot file FAFSA under state law. Returning students had a March 1 priority date for 2026–27, but that priority date was not a general eligibility deadline.
The published 2026–27 maximum is $8,064, although the award depends on need and tuition/fees. ISAC suspended announcements for initial FAFSAs received after April 23, 2026 and closed the 2026–27 Alternative Application on July 30. If no award has been announced, ask your college whether you fell after the suspension date; a late file may help only if funding becomes available.
List at least one approved Illinois institution on FAFSA and file early; the 2027–28 priority date for returning students is February 1, 2027. The state sets a yearly suspense date based on funds; do not confuse it with school payment-claim deadlines. Check MAP-paid credits in the portal and ask your college to calculate the award.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Monetary Award Program 2026–27 — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
MAP operational updates — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
2026–27 MAP approved institutions — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
For 2026–27, April 23 marks suspension of new award announcements and July 30 closed the Alternative Application; ask ISAC about your individual status.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Monetary Award Program (MAP)
2026–27 maximum of $8,064; individual award depends on need and cost, with a 135 MAP-paid-credit lifetime limit.
State student financial-aid program
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
ISAC determines potential awards and timing; the college certifies enrollment and receives payment directly.
Public student financial-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 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Monetary Award Program (MAP) ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Monetary Award Program (MAP) ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 12, 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 12, 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 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.