The ING Grant lets eligible Illinois National Guard members request tuition and certain fee coverage at public two- and four-year colleges in the state. The 2026–27 application is available for fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027. Students apply each year; Guard membership alone does not guarantee eligibility.
ISAC requires at least one full year of service, current Guard status or a specific exception for long-serving members whose studies were interrupted by federal activation, enrollment at an Illinois public institution, and acceptable academic standing. Loan default and grant-refund rules also apply. Some exceptions must be confirmed by the military incentives office.
The benefit is limited to 120 eligibility units for members with under ten years of active Guard service and up to 180 units for ten or more years. Units are calculated from coursework; using it with IVG may consume units in both programs for the same credit hours. Before combining benefits, ISAC advises consulting campus financial aid and checking remaining units.
The state portal explains that transferred credits count toward the unit maximum. Before combining ING with IVG, compare remaining eligibility and covered fees because the same course hours may be charged to both balances. Track the application and respond promptly if ISAC or the military office requests verification.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Illinois National Guard Grant Program — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
ING Grant application — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Cycles, funding, and eligibility can change; confirm the cycle for your academic year with the administrator and your school financial-aid office.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant
The ING Grant lets eligible Illinois National Guard members request tuition and certain fee coverage at public two- and four-year colleges in the state. The 2026–27 application is available for fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027. Students apply each year; Guard membership alone does not guarantee eligibility.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.