Federal & State Grants

• What It Is: A federal need-based grant for undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. 
• Eligibility:
  • Determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information. 
  • Limited to 12 full-time semesters. 
• Award Amount (2026-27): $740–$7,395
• How to Apply: Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• What It Is: A grant is awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need.
• Eligibility:
  • Priority given to Pell Grant recipients.
  • Grants are made to all applicants who meet the award criteria on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. 
  • This typically includes all undergraduates with an SAI of -1500, including those enrolled part-time.
• Award Amount (2026–27): $100–$4,000.
• How to Apply: Complete your FAFSA and watch for notifications about the FSEOG.

• What It Is: An educational benefit for those who complete a term of service in AmeriCorps. 
• Eligibility:
  • Students who have completed a term of service in AmeriCorp
  • Students have up to seven years after their term of service has ended to claim the award.
• How to Use: Eligible students may use the award for tuition and fees at SAIC. Funds are disbursed in two installments each semester. Log in to MyAmeriCorps to complete an online payment voucher. Note that certain qualifying students may be eligible for an additional matching program up to $4,000 for undergraduates. You will be automatically considered if you meet the criteria.

• What It Is: Additional funding for qualifying students at SAIC.
• Award Amount: Up to $1,000 per year for a maximum of $4,000 for undergraduate students, and $2,000-$3,000 for graduate students depending on their course of study.
• How to Apply: Automatically considered if you meet the criteria.

• What It Is: Financial assistance for U.S. military veterans and eligible dependents.
• Programs Include:
  • Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and more. You can learn more here.
• How to Apply: Visit the VA website for eligibility, then contact SAIC’s Registrar for processing.

Undergraduate students may be eligible for a State of Illinois MAP grant.

Because you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you are also considered for financial aid from the State of Illinois. You may qualify for a State of Illinois MAP grant—financial aid from the State of Illinois that is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. If you are eligible: 

• Your financial aid offer from the school includes an estimated amount listed as IL MAP (estimated).
• The amount listed is an estimate. The final amount may change depending on how much funding the state provides this year, as well as the number of hours you’re enrolled and your other sources of aid.
• MAP grant awards may be received for up to about 4½ years of full-time college.
• You can learn more about the State of Illinois MAP grant and check how many credit hours you have used on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website: isac.org/mapgrant

You may also qualify for help with dependent care expenses and food costs.

• Ask your financial aid office if you would benefit from the federal dependent care allowance.
• Call the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hotline at 800.359.2163 or visit the website at ilhunger.org for information about food assistance.
•  Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800.843.6154 or visit the website dhs.state.il.us for information about the Child Care Assistance Program and/or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

• What It Is: Allows eligible undergraduate undocumented and transgender students to apply for state financial aid—including MAP, the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program and others.
• Eligibility: Must meet RISE Act criteria and specific program requirements.
• Award Amount: Varies based on funding and FAFSA submission date.
• How to Apply: Complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid through ISAC.
• Learn More

• What It Is: The Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (TISP) provides up to $7,500 per academic year to eligible Illinois students pursuing careers in education. Students who receive the scholarship agree to teach in an eligible underserved Illinois school or school district after graduation in accordance with the program's service requirements. Scholarship funds may be used to pay tuition and mandatory fees and may be received for up to the equivalent of four academic years (eight semesters or 12 quarters) of full-time enrollment.
• Eligibility: To be eligible, students must meet the requirements established by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), including:
  • Be an Illinois resident.
  • Be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program or other qualifying education program at an eligible Illinois college or university.
  • Commit to fulfilling the program's required teaching service in an eligible underserved Illinois school or school district.
  • Meet all other program eligibility requirements established by ISAC.
• Award Amount: Up to $7,500 per year
• How to Apply: For complete eligibility requirements, application deadlines, service obligations, and additional program information, please visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (TISP) web page.
• Learn More

• What It Is: Encourages talented undergraduate students to become teachers at high-need schools.
• Eligibility: Commitment to teach for five years in a qualifying school.
• Award Amount: Up to $5,000
• How to Apply: Follow the application process detailed on the Golden Apple website.
• Learn More