The Monetary Award Program (MAP) provides grants, which do not need to be repaid, to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need, based on the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are not required to submit high school grades or test scores when applying for a MAP grant.

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, prior to the academic year that starts on or after July 1. Your eligibility for the MAP grant will be automatically determined if the approved Illinois college at which you plan to use the award is listed on your FAFSA.

Verification of eligibility, and announcement of an estimated award amount (if any), is performed by the college. Only if you are eligible will an estimated MAP grant appear on a financial aid award letter from your college. If you are a MAP recipient, refer to the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Rights and Responsibilities document for more detailed information regarding the program.

Filing Deadline Dates

In order to be considered for a full-year MAP grant, the federal processor must receive each academic year’s initial FAFSA as indicated:

For first-time applicants, defined as students who did not apply for a MAP grant by filing a FAFSA during the previous academic year, the federal processor must receive the initial FAFSA on or before September 30th (for example, on or before September 30, 2009 for the 2009-10 academic year).

For continuing applicants, defined as students who did apply for a MAP grant by filing a FAFSA during the previous academic year, the federal processor must receive the initial FAFSA on or before August 15th (for example, on or before August 15, 2009 for the 2009-10 academic year).

Initial applications received after these dates will be considered only for second semester (or second and third quarter) awards.
Please be aware that, in any academic year, grant funding could be depleted prior to these dates. When this occurs, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will announce a suspension date. Award announcements for applications received after the suspension date will be placed in suspension status. Students for whom MAP award announcements are in suspension status will not receive MAP grant money.

How Funds Are Disbursed

ISAC works with the college to disburse funds for this program. The college certifies student eligibility and then submits a payment request on behalf of the student. It may take up to eight weeks after the date that ISAC processes the payment request before funds are received at the college.

Depending on the college, students may be responsible for payment until program funds are received. Qualified applicants who are awaiting receipt of funds from this program should contact the Financial Aid Office or Business Office to determine the college’s policy.

Program Funding: On July 15, 2009, the Governor and state legislators reached an agreement regarding the fiscal year 2010 (FY2010) state budget. Absent new revenues and facing a substantial state budget deficit, budget cuts have been made. Consequently, the amount ISAC receives to fund college scholarships and grants, including the MAP grant, has been significantly reduced.