The state of Illinois has several grants available to students within the state. We’ll cover some of them below and supply further resources so you can get more information on financial aid available to Illinois students.
Illinois College Grants
1. Monetary Award Program (MAP)
MAP is available to Illinois students who have demonstrated financial need and are attending one of the participating and approved Illinois colleges. Award amounts can vary depending on the students’ expenses, financial circumstances, and the maximum amount of funds available from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The number of grants available through MAP can also change from year to year, and the program is not limited to traditional students.
In order to apply, students need to:
- Complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be an Illinois resident
- Be attending at least 3 hours at a participating college
- Meet academic standards set forth by the school
- Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree
2. Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program
For individuals who are currently members of the Illinois National Guard, there is the ING Grant Program. Students who qualify will receive waived tuition and fees.
Qualification requirements include:
- Have at least one full year of service in the ING
- Be an enlisted member or officer
- Be attending a qualifying college
- Meet academic standards set forth by the school
3. Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program
Similar to the ING Program, the IVG Program is for Illinois veterans who had at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces or served in active duty in a foreign country. The program also covers all fees and tuition for qualifying students.
Some of the requirements for this program are:
- Have received an honorable discharge
- Not be in default of student loans
- Meet other criteria regarding residency
- Be attending a public 2 or 4 year college in Illinois
4. AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program
The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant Pilot Program offers financial assistance to cover full time college students cost of attendance. The amount of awards available to students can depend on annual appropriations, but the grant is renewable as long as the individual meets the qualifications.
In order to apply, students have to
- Attend one of 12 public four year institutions in the state
- Have attended a high school in Illinois
- Complete their FAFSA
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet certain ACT or SAT scores set forth by the college
- Have not received a bachelor’s degree
- Meet other criteria the university sets
5. And More
Other grants available to some Illinois college students include
- Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers
- Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers
- Grant Program for Exonerees
- Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Program
Where Can You Find More Information About Illinois State Grants?
If you’re interested in applying to one of the awards above or want to learn more about grant programs in Illinois, we recommend heading over to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website. There you can find information about paying for college, work-study programs, financial aid, and more. The ISAC also provides resources for planning for college, graduation, and parents.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
