JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Federal Programs

Federal Pell Grant

  • Largest direct-aid grant program administered on a federal level.
  • Gift aid (does not have to be repaid).
  • Grant may be used for any educational expense, such as tuition and fees, room and board, and living expenses.
  • Available to undergraduate students.
  • The maximum award for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years is $7,395.
  • To apply for the grant, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Students are notified of eligibility via the FAFSA Submission Summary document – or, Student Aid Report (SAR) prior to the 2024-25 academic year.
  • The award amount of the Federal Pell Grant is calculated by the college and is based on information provided on the FAFSA form.
  • Award amounts are dependent upon funding approved by the federal government.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • Gift aid (does not have to be repaid). Priority for this grant is given to exceptionally needy students (in lowest EFC order) and Federal Pell Grant recipients.
  • Available to undergraduate students with an exceptional financial need.
  • The amount a student can receive depends on the student's need and the availability of funds at the college. The maximum award is $4,000.
  • Apply for FSEOG by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need is based on Federal Methodology.
  • The application deadline is set by each Financial Aid Office.
  • Eligibility for the grant is determined by the college's Financial Aid Administrator.
  • Eligible students are notified via the college's financial aid award letter.

Federal TEACH* Grant

* Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

  • Designed to benefit current and prospective teachers.
  • Available to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Applicants must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which includes a question that will assist colleges in identifying students who may be eligible for a TEACH Grant.
  • Applicants must meet basic eligibility requirements (there is no Expected Family Contribution for this grant).
  • Must be currently completing coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching, or plan on completing coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching.
  • Must meet academic requirements.
  • Maximum award is up to $4,000 per academic year. Maximum aggregate awards are:
    • $16,000 for students working toward their first undergraduate or post-baccalaureate (nondegree) program
    • $8,000 for graduate students.
  • When combined with other aid, the award amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance. The award amount is prorated for those attending less than full time.
  • Recipients of this grant must sign an agreement to meet specific teaching requirements within eight years after completing the program for which the grant was received. If the teaching requirement is not fulfilled, the grant must be repaid as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
    • Provisions for handling extenuating circumstances for students who cannot fulfill all of the loan service obligations are available.
  • Comparison of Teacher Education Programs (including Federal TEACH Grant and ISAC programs)

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

  • Need-based employment program providing on- and off-campus jobs for students.
  • Available to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Compensation is at least the current federal minimum wage and is paid by the college directly to the student.
  • Eligible students and the Financial Aid Office work together to locate available jobs.
  • Apply for FWS by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need is based on Federal Methodology.
  • The availability of funds is limited; Financial Aid Offices may establish priority deadlines.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

Effective with federal law that took effect on September 30, 2017, students can no longer receive Perkins Loans.

Borrowers with prior Perkins Loans can learn about loan repayment options by contacting either the college that provided the loan or the college’s loan servicer. General information is also available at the Perkins Loan page of the Federal Student Aid website.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans are administered and funded by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Federal Direct Loans). For information regarding Federal Direct Loans, refer to ED’s Federal Student Loans website page or contact the college’s financial aid office