2025-26 MAP Suspense: Award Announcements Suspended for all Applications Received AFTER June 5, 2025

06/02/2025

Unless otherwise noted, links in this message are to corresponding pages at ISAC's website (isac.org).

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is suspending the announcement of 2025-26 Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for applicants whose initial 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is received by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), or whose initial Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) is received by ISAC, after Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Each year, once projections indicate that demand is close to exceeding the anticipated availability of limited MAP dollars, ISAC suspends award announcements. “Suspense” means that MAP-eligible students who complete an application after June 5, 2025 will be put on a waiting list for MAP funding. If ISAC determines that additional grants can be offered, they will be announced based on the order in which the applications were received. Students have until June 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to submit their applications before being put on the waiting list for MAP.

Any 2025 high school graduates with whom you may be in contact should still be encouraged to submit a FAFSA or Alternative Application as soon as possible if they plan to be enrolled in college for the 2025-26 academic year.

Every year, there are students who do not use their MAP awards, and – if appropriated dollars remain after all eligible recipients who completed an application prior to the suspense date have received their awards – those who file after June 5 and meet the MAP eligibility requirements may have an opportunity to receive those unused dollars. If this occurs, eligible students who complete their FAFSA or Alternative Application earliest will receive first consideration.

FAFSA results are used to determine eligibility for other forms of federal, state and institutional assistance.

The suspension of 2025-26 MAP award announcements does not impact any other financial aid programs.

In addition, encourage your college-bound students and their families to visit the Students & Parents area at isac.org for information regarding the financial aid process.

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through one or more subscription groups for Counselors.

If you have any questions, please contact School Services by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling 866.247.2172.