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The Monetary Award Program
For over 50 years the Monetary Award Program (MAP) has provided Illinois residents financial assistance to attend Illinois colleges and universities. MAP grants are awarded based on financial need using information collected in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In FY12 the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) awarded approximately $420 million in grants assisting 147,000 Illinois students to continue their education.
Some propose reducing MAP funding by nearly 15% for academic year 2012-13.
Illinois faces real economic challenges and must reform its pension systems and Medicaid. Governor Quinn has proposed reductions in State spending to pre-2008 levels while increasing MAP by $50 million. This would mean 175,000 MAP grants in the 2012-13 academic year.
Investment in higher education, particularly in college access for low-income students, is a down-payment on a healthy and prosperous future for Illinois.
Without improving rates of college completion among low-income Illinoisans, a growing segment of the population, the Illinois workforce will not be adequately trained to fill the jobs of the future.
“As a non-traditional student, it can be difficult to afford college while having to pay all of the other living expenses that come with life. Thanks to the MAP Grant, my educational goals have become more attainable.”
- Kayla Randolph-Clark,
Joliet Junior College
MAP currently serves only about half the applicants who are eligible and covers less than half of tuition and fees at a public university in this state. A decade ago, the State was able to meet the needs of all eligible applicants and fully cover tuition and fees.
Student Message - 2012-13 MAP Grant Funding
