ISAC Student PortalISAC Update
VOL. 43, NO. 12F
June 2026
| Messages sent to: | Multiple Subscription Groups |
| ISAC Update |
Welcome to the June 2026 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout June.
The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update can be directed to Partner Services by calling 866.247.2172 or sending an email message to [email protected]. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.
Invitation: Engagement Opportunities on the Development of a New State Attainment Goal
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 30, 2026.
Thank you for your continued leadership in shaping Illinois' postsecondary and workforce landscape. Building upon the existing work across the state, Governor Pritzker established the Illinois State Attainment Working Group, which the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is a member of, to recommend a statewide postsecondary attainment goal for degrees and credentials of value by December 1, 2026. This handout provides an overview of the Working Group and its goals, defines 'attainment', and outlines the objectives for an Illinois value-centered attainment goal. The Working Group is engaging partners across the state to better understand what this attainment goal should look like and the types of credentials needed to meet state and regional workforce needs.
We are reaching out to invite you to participate in two stakeholder engagement opportunities:
- We invite you to complete a brief survey to inform the development of a state postsecondary attainment goal for 2040. We would greatly appreciate your input and perspective. This survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete and will close on Friday, July 17. Please complete the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9HYZB97 - We invite you to participate in an upcoming regional engagement session offered July 7 through September 1 to inform recommendations for this new goal. The Working Group will host these one-and-a-half-hour engagement sessions across Illinois' 10 economic development regions. Please visit the Illinois State Attainment Working Group website for more details about the session dates, times, and locations, or you can RSVP directly HERE. We encourage you to RSVP soon to guarantee a seat.
Please also share these opportunities with your colleagues who may be interested in providing feedback. Should you have any questions in advance, do not hesitate to reach out to our colleague in this work, Katie Lynne Morton at [email protected].
2026-27 MAP Recompute Formula Approved (Highlights from June 25 Commission Meeting)
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on June 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.
CCE Conference in 3 Weeks: Don't Miss Out!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 25, 2026.
www.collegechangeseverything.org
Dear Colleague,
Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, the 2026 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference is your opportunity to be part of that conversation, not as a passive observer, but as a contributor, change agent, and student advocate.
Register now and join us as we explore this year's powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters.
Education is consequential, transformative and urgent; it is the ladder of opportunity that helps transform lives. And, matters of education – the systems, policies, and barriers – require our attention and collective action.
This year, for our 16th gathering we call upon you to join us, a community of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for all learners, with intention, commitment, and passion.
Come ready to be challenged, inspired and most importantly, to act.
More information about the conference is available on the conference website.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
Join Us at the 2026 CCE Conference: Registration is Open!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 18, 2026.
www.collegechangeseverything.org
Dear Colleague,
You are invited to register now for the 2026 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference as we come together on July 16th to explore this year's powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters.
Education is consequential, transformative and urgent; it is the ladder of opportunity that helps transform lives. And, matters of education – the systems, policies, and barriers – require our attention and collective action.
Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, CCE 2026 is your opportunity to be part of that conversation, not as a passive observer, but as a contributor, change agent, and student advocate.
Through conversations, storytelling, best practices, and calls to action, the CCE conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. This year, for our 16th gathering we call upon you to join us, a community of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for all learners, with intention, commitment, and passion.
Come ready to be challenged, inspired and most importantly, to act.
The conference agenda will available later this month. More information about the conference, the Tinley Park Convention Center, and hotel is available on the conference website.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
Commission Meeting Thursday, June 25 — Executive Briefing Friday, June 26
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, and Business Officers on June 11, 2026.
The next regular meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. (CT). You may attend the meeting at either the ISAC Deerfield or Springfield office location (see below for addresses).
Some of the items on the tentative agenda are:
- State Legislative Update
- Fiscal Year 2027 Monetary Award Program (MAP) Recompute Formula
- Proposed Administrative Program Rules and Amendments
- Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
- College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program Investment and Program Updates
The complete listing of agenda items is included 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). The online agenda book will be updated within 1-2 business days following the meeting to reflect action taken.
Executive Briefing Conference Call – Friday, June 26
An executive briefing conference call for institutional financial aid staff is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CT). Executive Director Eric Zarnikow and ISAC staff will provide information about activity that took place at the Commission meeting and other ISAC updates.
On June 26, you can access the briefing by:
- Clicking on this link: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m4fb04cf39859e6d51c226a58a3bb0ce8
- Entering the meeting number when prompted: 2633 969 0868
For the audio portion, select one of the available options:
- "Use computer audio" – for this option you will need to have a microphone to be able to interact with the briefing. Without a microphone, you will be in listen-only mode.
- "Call me" – for this option, enter your phone number, and Webex will call you for toll-free participation.
- "Call in" (not a toll-free option) – if you are not able to participate through the "Use computer audio" or "Call me" options, but would like to participate by phone, you can use one of these toll numbers: +1-312-535-8110 (US Toll Chicago) or +1-415-655-0002 (US Toll) and access code 2633 969 0868.
Access will also be available via the Partner Training page of the e-Library.
Deerfield office
1755 Lake Cook Road
Conference Room 3030, 3rd floor
Deerfield
Enter through the east door and check in at the desk.
Springfield office
500 West Monroe
Conference Room, 3rd floor
Springfield
Enter from the rear parking lot (through the door on the east) and then use the elevator or stairs.
ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on June 24
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 10, 2026.
Plan to join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 for a "Monthly Program & Operational Update" webinar for financial aid administrators.
Future monthly webinars will take place at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Registration is not required for these webinars. Participate by accessing the webinar link and presentation materials at the Partner Training page in the e-Library on the day of the event.
Requests for specific topics or questions you would like an upcoming webinar to address may be submitted by sending an email to Partner Services at [email protected].
2026 CCE: Registration is Open
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 4, 2026.
www.collegechangeseverything.org
Dear Colleague,
You are invited to register now for the 2026 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference as we come together on July 16th to explore this year's powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters.
Education is consequential, transformative and urgent; it is the ladder of opportunity that helps transform lives. And, matters of education – the systems, policies, and barriers – require our attention and collective action.
Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, CCE 2026 is your opportunity to be part of that conversation, not as a passive observer, but as a contributor, change agent, and student advocate as we explore:
- Which policies are quietly harming our students, and how do we work within imperfect systems while simultaneously pushing to change them?
- How do we dismantle the visible and invisible barriers that prevent students from accessing the education they deserve?
- How do we move from isolated programs to scalable institutional change that allows us to build educational ecosystems where innovation is not the exception, but the expectation?
- If education truly matters, what are we willing to change about our institutions, our practices, and ourselves, to prove it?
Through conversations, storytelling, best practices, and calls to action, the CCE conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. This year, for our 16th gathering we call upon you to join us with intention, commitment, and passion.
Who Should Attend:
The annual conference is Illinois' preeminent postsecondary access and success event and brings together stakeholders committed to increasing the proportion of adults in the state with high-quality degrees and credentials. Its greatest strength lies in uniting a diverse statewide audience around educational opportunity and student success. Participants include: college access practitioners; high school leaders, counselors, and case managers; college and university administrators; employers and workforce development professionals; and policymakers and elected officials. The conference also offers stakeholders an opportunity to strengthen collaborative and collective leadership in pursuit of the state's goals.
We hope you will join us, a community of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for all learners. Come ready to be challenged, inspired and most importantly, to act.
The conference agenda will be available later in June. More information about the conference, the Tinley Park Convention Center, and hotel is available on the conference website.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
Public Comment Open for Illinois Workforce Pell Program Approval Manual
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on June 3, 2026.
The Illinois Interagency Workforce Pell Steering Committee is pleased to announce a 10-day public comment period (June 2–June 11, 2026) for the Illinois Workforce Pell Program Approval Manual. The manual outlines the proposed policies, approval process, and implementation framework that will guide Workforce Pell program approval in Illinois.
The public comment period provides stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposed framework and offer feedback before the policies and procedures are finalized. This process is intended to promote transparency, collaboration, and statewide alignment while ensuring that Illinois' Workforce Pell implementation reflects the perspectives of education, workforce, employer, and community partners.
Review the proposed manual, accompanying documents, and other resources as well as provide official public comment here.
The Steering Committee is encouraging stakeholders to provide feedback on the following topics, with specific questions posed on the public comment form. This is not required and stakeholders may also provide other feedback as desired.
- Eligible Occupations
- Employer Validation Process
- Stackability, Portability, and Articulation Policies
- Application Process
- Timeline
- Consumer Protections
- Data Collection
Thank you for your continued interest and engagement in this process!
2025-26 Year-End Program Updates
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on June 2, 2026.
Links in this message go to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org) unless otherwise noted.
The following information is being provided to assist colleges with year-end processing for the ISAC-administered programs referenced below. Programs are listed in alphabetical order within each section [Payment Request (Claim) Data and Benefit Usage Data].
Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program
- ISAC will continue to accept 2025-26 ECACE Scholarship initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted ECACE Scholarship claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the ECACE system will become available for historical view only.**
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program
- ISAC will continue to accept 2025-26 Golden Apple initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted Golden Apple claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the Golden Apple system will become available for historical view only.**
Grant Programs for Dependents of Police, Fire, or Correctional Officers (PFC)
- ISAC will continue to accept 2025-26 PFC initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- ISAC anticipates accepting 2025-26 PFC summer-term claims starting in mid-June.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted PFC claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the PFC system will become available for historical view only.**
- Friday, June 5, 2026 will be the last date on which:
- 2025-26 Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data will be received from the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) and reflected in the MAP system; and,
- the 2025-26 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid will be available for students to complete and submit to ISAC.
- Although the priority claim deadline dates for all terms of the 2025-26 academic year have passed, ISAC will continue to accept and hold 2025-26 MAP initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Payment has been approved for first, second, and third-term initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims that were received through (including) May 20, 2026.
- Schools should regularly monitor the MAP system to review payment results for initial claims and increases as we continue to monitor available funding and may release more claims.
- Colleges are encouraged to continue the process of reconciling 2025-26 MAP data, which assists ISAC staff in determining whether sufficient funds will be available to pay additional late claims.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted MAP claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, Juy 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the MAP system will become available for historical view only.**
Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)
- ISAC will continue to accept 2025-26 NES initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- 2025-26 NES summer-term claims submitted by July 1 will be considered timely.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted NES claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the NES system will become available for historical view only.**
- ISAC will continue to accept initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms of the 2025-26 Social Work Scholarship Program through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- 2025-26 Social Work Scholarship summer-term claims submitted by July 1 will be considered timely.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted claims for this program will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the Social Work Scholarship system will become available for historical view only.**
Teachers of Illinois (TI) Scholarship Program
- ISAC will continue to accept 2025-26 TI Scholarship initial claims and increases to previously submitted claims for all terms through (including) Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Adjustments to cancel or reduce previously submitted TI Scholarship claims will continue to be accepted for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.*
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the TI system will become available for historical view only.**
* Continue Reconciling Data
Remember, due to the payment offset process, only data reconciliation activities should take place at this time for the 2025-26 ECACE Scholarship, Golden Apple, PFC, MAP, NES and Social Work Scholarship, and TI Scholarship programs. After ISAC determines that all payment processing is final, colleges with an outstanding amount owed to ISAC will receive an email notice indicating the total amount to be returned for each program. Until then, no funds should be returned to ISAC.
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program
- The ING Grant system will continue to accept 2025-26 benefit usage data for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.
- Summer-term benefit usage data submitted on or before Tuesday, July 1, 2026 will be considered timely.
- Although the dates by which fall- and spring-term benefit usage data must have been submitted in order to be considered timely have passed, colleges are still encouraged to report data for these terms no later than July 30.
- Even though ISAC may not be able to fully reimburse institutions for 2025-26 ING Grant awards, reporting of enrollment hours must still take place as soon as possible so that benefit usage (i.e., eligibility units) can be accurately assessed to students' accounts.
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the ING Grant system will become available for historical view only.**
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program
- The IVG system will continue to accept 2025-26 benefit usage data for all terms through (including) Thursday, July 30, 2026.
- Even though ISAC may not be able to fully reimburse institutions for 2025-26 IVG awards and all deadline dates have passed, reporting of enrollment hours must still take place as soon as possible so that benefit usage (i.e., eligibility units) can be accurately assessed to students' accounts.
- Effective Friday, July 31, 2026, 2025-26 data in the IVG system will become available for historical view only.**
** As a reminder, reports continue to be available for colleges to access after data has been moved to historical view. However, after submitting claims or adjustments and/or reporting benefits used, colleges are encouraged to always review the Payment/Benefits Results Exceptions report that is available the next business day. Refer to the appropriate program's "Payment" area (located in the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area) to view information regarding a report for tracking payment vouchers and warrants.
May 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on June 1, 2026.
The May 2026 edition of the ISAC Update is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.
Topics covered in the May 2026 ISAC Update include:
- Upcoming Important Dates from ISAC
(sent May 28, 2026) - June 2 Webinar from Illinois Interagency Workforce Pell Team
(sent May 27, 2026) - ISAC Administrative Rules Update – Public Comment Being Accepted
(sent May 26, 2026) - 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Payment
(sent May 15, 2026) - 2026 CCE: Call for Proposals Extended
(sent May 13, 2026) - Upcoming Webinars for FAAs
(sent May 11, 2026) - Certify 2026-27 Nursing Education Scholarships
(sent May 11, 2026) - April 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
(sent May 1, 2026)
