2026-27 MAP Recompute Formula Approved (Highlights from June 25 Commission Meeting)

06/26/2026

The following highlights some of the agenda items included at the June 25, 2026 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Find a listing of all agenda items and any action taken in the June 25, 2026 Agenda Book, which can be accessed via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission area of our website (isac.org).

FY2027 (2026-27 Academic Year) MAP Recompute Formula Approved – Agenda Item 5

Each year, ISAC is responsible for adopting an allocation (or, "start-up") formula for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and then – once the state operating budget has been finalized – the Commission approves a recompute formula based on the MAP appropriation.

  • At its September 18, 2025 meeting, the Commission approved a start-up formula to enable financial aid administrators to calculate eligibility for applicants planning to attend college in the 2026-27 academic year.
    • To keep fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) claims within the appropriation and avoid any mid-year award reductions, the Commission approved carrying over to the 2026-27 MAP start-up formula the same 4 percent reduction factor that was in place for both 2024-25 and 2025-26 MAP awards (see Agenda Item 4 from the September 18, 2025 Commission meeting for further details).
  • By mid-April, FY2027 application volume and claim projections indicated that, even with the 4 percent award reduction, FY2027 award announcements for students who apply after April 23, 2026 must be placed in suspense status.
  • The FY2027 state operating budget has been approved by the governor, with MAP funds held at the current level (keeping program appropriations at just under $721.6 million).

Taking all factors into account, ISAC staff recommended – and the Commission approved – a recompute formula that is the same as the FY2027 MAP start-up formula.

  • The approved recompute formula is outlined in Table Three of Agenda Item 5 from the June 25, 2026 Agenda Book.
  • The formula may also be viewed in the 2026-27 MAP Formula section of ISAC's website, which has been updated to reflect "recompute."
  • Because the recompute formula mirrors the start-up formula, no changes are required in the MAP system and daily processing of Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data continues as usual.

Continue to monitor the MAP Program News page, the FAA Message Board, and this e-Messaging service for operational updates throughout the year.

Other Items

The following items were also presented to the Commission:

  • State Legislative Update – Agenda Item 4
  • Proposed Administrative Program Rules and Amendments – Agenda Item 6
  • FY2027 Budget Review and Approvals – Agenda Item 7
  • College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program Investment and Program Updates – Agenda Item 9

Next Meeting

The next Commission meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

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