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.

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.

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