ISAC Student PortalNES Eligibility Requirements
NOTICE: 2026-27 Alternative Application
On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive state financial assistance from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) for the 2026-27 school year. This means that students who submitted the 2026-27 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, including Illinois undocumented students, cannot be considered for any ISAC financial aid program for the 2026-27 school year. The 2026-27 Alternative Application is no longer available.
The eligibility criteria for the 2027-28 Alternative Application have changed from prior years.
For students who have questions specific to the 2026-27 Alternative Application and academic year, please see Student and Family FAQs: 2026-27 Alternative Application.
{ISAC Rules, Part 2749.100}
To qualify for a Nursing Education Scholarship, an applicant must:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen who meets the eligibility requirements to complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Any ISAC grant or scholarship program that requires the FAFSA will also accept the Alternative Application
- be an Illinois resident for at least one year prior to the date of application
- be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to a nursing or nursing education program in Illinois that is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the Illinois Board of Higher Education
- demonstrate financial need
- maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the college
- establish satisfactory repayment arrangements if they are in default on any federal student loan
- sign an Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note promising to fulfill the employment commitment or repay funds received, plus interest
