Illinois Grant Program for Exonerees and Their Dependents

Illinois administers tuition aid for people exonerated on grounds of innocence and certain named dependents. The applicant must have a gubernatorial pardon based on innocence or a judicial certificate of innocence; an acquittal or dropped charge should not be assumed equivalent without confirmation from ISAC. The program may cover tuition and mandatory fees at eligible public institutions.

Applications go through the state commission and require documents verifying both legal status and enrollment. The page describes support for undergraduate or graduate study and up to four years, subject to program rules and funding. Eligibility is tied to the recognized case record; it is not a general scholarship for anyone involved in a criminal case.

The award is credited to eligible expenses and may extend to dependents designated by the recipient under published rules. For 2026–27, the program relies on a state appropriation and funding may be limited, so apply early and seek written confirmation of receipt. The file cannot rely on media accounts; it must include the court or state certifications the program requires.

Submit the application and certification to ISAC; the college can confirm enrollment timing but cannot replace the program’s legal eligibility determination. Request a receipt for documents and ask whether awards renew automatically or require annual enrollment certification. State appropriations can limit yearly availability.

To compare this benefit with other options, ask financial aid for an estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and excluded expenses. Confirm whether it renews annually, what GPA or course load it requires, and whom to contact if the student account does not show the payment. Keep award letters and receipts until the school confirms disbursement.

Official program information and application