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
About AIM HIGH Grant
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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public student-aid program