2026-27 MAP Start-Up Implemented

10/17/2025

2026-27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) records – reflecting the start-up formula that was approved at the September 18, 2025 Commission meeting – are now available to access via the MAP system. Effective immediately, all 2026-27 Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and Alternative Application Student Records received by ISAC through (including) Thursday, October 16, 2025 are available with their accompanying eligibility status information. Daily processing of 2026-27 ISIR, Alternative Application, and eligibility status information has commenced.

Processing Details

• The 2026-27 start-up formula:
  • uses 2021-22 reported tuition and fees;
  • uses the 2021-22 Pell Grant Payment Schedule;
  • uses a $5,200 living allowance; and,
  • has a maximum annual award amount of $8,400 (with an effective maximum of $8,064 after the 4% reduction).
• The MAP system can be experienced best using the Google Chrome browser.
• The ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal, which includes the MAP system, is available each day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (CT).

More Information Available Online

• The MAP section within the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area reflects the 2026-27 start-up formula.
  • Details regarding calculating a term award for both semester and quarter schools are also available.
  • The 2026-27 Hand Calculation Forms – Start-up document may be accessed via the MAP Formula area.
• 2026-27 MAP 160 Byte File Layout Specifications  may be accessed via the Electronic Tools area of the e-Library for Partners.
• 2026-27 Alternative Application Student Record School File may be accessed via the Electronic Tools area of the e-Library for Partners.
• The MAP Electronic Processing area provides detailed information about the MAP system.
  • The "Eligibility" chapter of the MAP User Guide soon will be updated to reflect the 2026-27 awarding cycle.

Notification to Applicants

• Colleges are required to announce MAP awards to eligible students enrolled at their institutions.
  • Refer to the MAP Award Announcements page for details regarding college requirements, as well as a sample of the required 2026-27 school-issued award notification language.

Reminders

• Colleges should encourage students to submit the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as possible.
• Encourage your students to visit the ISAC Student Portal to access these helpful resources:
  • MAP Paid Credit Hours Display (located in the Program Applications & Status Checks area) – MAP grant recipients may use this option to track the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours they have remaining, and
  • Student Resources Beyond Financial Aid (located in the Resources area) – students can find resources for food (including listings of Illinois food pantries on or near college campuses, as well as across the state), housing, medical care, child and dependent care assistance and consideration because of special circumstances.

Watch for Future Updates

Additional updates regarding the 2026-27 MAP processing cycle will be provided via ISAC's usual means of communication: the FAA Message Board; the MAP Program News area; and/or, this e-Messaging service.

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

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