Grants

A grant is a type of “gift aid” that does not need to be paid back. The amount awarded is usually based on financial need and is generally provided by the government or the college you plan to attend. After submitting your FAFSA, you are automatically considered for three types of grants – the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, (for Illinois residents), the Federal Pell Grant (Pell), and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). Contact your college’s financial aid department about the grants you’ll receive.

Illinois Grants

• Monetary Award Program (MAP)
• Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Program
• Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program
• Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program
• Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers
• Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers
• Bonus Incentive Grant (BIG)
• Student to Student Program of Matching Grants
• Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Program

There are many other types of grants, and many designated for Illinois students. Continue your search by using the resources listed below. But remember to watch out for financial aid scams. 

• scholarships.com/
• fastaid.com
• petersons.com/finaid

Every grant program - including those funded by the federal or state government, colleges, or other organizations - has its own unique awarding and processing cycle.  If a student plans to use funds from a grant to pay a balance owed the college, but those funds are not received by the scheduled due date(s), it is the student's responsibility to work with the appropriate office at the college to make satisfactory arrangements. 

While some colleges may agree to temporarily postpone due dates (sometimes for a fee) until funds are received, others might require that the student make a full or partial payment by the established due date.  If, once received, the grant funds are more than the remaining balance due to the college, the student may receive the excess funds to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses or to apply toward other education-related costs.  Students who are uncertain of the college's policy regarding anticipated financial assistance should contact their Financial Aid Office for clarification.