Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant

The Monetary Award Program, or MAP, is Illinois’ need-based grant for residents attending participating colleges. Students apply through the FAFSA—there is no separate MAP form—and the award is applied directly to tuition and mandatory fees. For 2026–27, the published maximum is $8,064, but the actual amount depends on need, college costs, and state funding.

ISAC recommends filing the FAFSA as soon as it opens and listing at least one approved Illinois college so the commission can calculate eligibility and send an estimate to the school. Returning recipients have a priority date, but there is no single guaranteed deadline for everyone; the state can place applications in suspense when available funds are projected to run out. Filing date can matter even when a student meets the requirements.

For 2026–27, ISAC announced that initial FAFSAs received after April 23, 2026 would be placed in suspense and would not receive a MAP offer unless additional funding became available. As of October 2026, that date has passed: late applicants should still file FAFSA for other aid, ask the college whether their file is waiting, and avoid budgeting MAP as guaranteed money. Students should also prepare for the 2027–28 cycle.

A federal court ruling in July 2026 temporarily changed eligibility for undocumented students who used the alternative application: ISAC says it cannot issue state aid to them for 2026–27. The 2027–28 alternative application was scheduled for October 2026, so affected students should confirm its current status instead of relying on older guidance. The college’s aid offer is the final notice of the amount and whether it can be paid.

Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.

Official program information and application