Grants

Awarded by the state and federal governments, grants are funds for educational expenses that do NOT need to be repaid.

Award Year
The award year for financial aid includes the summer following the academic year for which aid is awarded. Of the grant programs listed below, only the Pell Grant is awarded for summer. The Pell Grant for summer 2012 is based on student eligibility established for the 2011-2012 year.

Federal Grants

• Pell Grant — This program is for students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and is based on financial need. The maximum grant requires a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment of at least 12 credit hours. Grants are reduced for higher EFCs and part-time attendance. Grants for full-time attendance for 2011-2012 range from $5,550 to $278.
• Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant — Students must be Pell Grant eligible and have zero Expected Family Contributions. Grants are $500 for students taking 12 credit hours. Grants are pro-rated for less than 12 credits and students must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours

State of Illinois Grants

• Monetary Award Program (MAP) — This program requires Illinois residency and is based on financial need. The maximum grant for 2011-2012 is  $1,586 based on 15 credit hours of attendance. Grants are reduced for less than 15 credit hours down to the minimum enrollment of 3 credit hours.