How To Get Free College in Illinois

The cost of college education continues to increase. Illinois residents often look for ways to reduce or eliminate these costs through financial aid, but they aren't the only ones trying to make college more affordable. The State of Illinois has begun to pass bills and approve grant programs that help with the cost of tuition and supplies.

Eligible students in Illinois can qualify for these programs which can lead to greatly reduced or waived college tuition. Governor Pritzker has signed expansions to tuition programs to include eligibility coverage for nearly half of the state, like the MAP Grant Program from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Besides the grant programs, students also have the opportunity to attend tuition-free online colleges in Illinois.

Is Community College Free in Illinois?

Illinois doesn't currently have a free community college program, but students who attend these schools do have options. The MAP Grant program provides eligible students with a certain amount of money based on factors like financial need and family income, as determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The funds can be applied to qualified schools in Illinois, including community colleges.

The MAP Grant is a last-dollar program, meaning any other free money or scholarships must be applied first. Community colleges often have lower tuition and the costs are sometimes covered before the grant comes in.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Illinois?

Most free college programs are designed to help first-time, first-year in-state students who display financial need. These financial aid packages promote free money programs, like grants and scholarships, to help these students earn higher education enrollment without opening themselves up to years of debt afterward.

Additionally, students must enroll in a participating school. ISAC has a list of approved colleges and universities that will accept MAP grants, although federal Pell Grants and other scholarships can be used at some schools that are not listed.

What Is the Monetary Award Program (MAP)?

The Monetary Award Program is a grant program from the state of Illinois. This grant is a last-dollar program that covers any gaps between federal grants, scholarships, and the total cost of tuition.

The grant program requires students to take between 3 to 15 per term and bases the amount of money awarded on how many credits are taken, meaning your award can vary from term to term in a single academic year. Students can only have up to 135 credit hours covered by this grant. This is more than the 120 credit hour average for most bachelor's.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible students must meet various standards. The MAP grant is designed to help low-income students. However, there are other requirements.

Students must:

• be an Illinois resident who is also a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen, Students who filed as a dependent qualify if their parents are Illinois residents
• demonstrate financial need
• be enrolled in a degree or certificate program with a minimum of 3 hours per term at an approved Illinois college
• maintain satisfactory academic progress, usually by meeting a minimum GPA
• not be in debt for student loans or owe repayment of other grants or scholarship programs
• be an undergraduate student who hasn't completed a bachelor's degree program
• not have used the equivalent of 135 MAP Paid Credit Hours
• not be incarcerated

Eligible Institutions

ISAC has approved 117 universities and community colleges in Illinois. The complete list of MAP-eligible schools can be found on the ISAC website, but some of the most popular schools on the list include:

• DePaul University
• Illinois State University
• Northern Illinois University
• University of Illinois - Urbana
• University of Illinois - Springfield
• University of Illinois - Chicago

How To Apply for the Monetary Award Program

The Monetary Award Program is applied to financial aid packages for eligible students. To qualify, students must fill out their FAFSA form with an approved school listed on the form. If a student is an undocumented Illinois resident, they can fill out the Alternate Application.

Tips for Making College Affordable

The MAP grant is only one way Illinois students can make college more affordable. After you fill out your FAFSA form, you'll know your federal grants and scholarship eligibility. These free money programs will help you pay for school without incurring large debt.

Other steps you can take include:

• start your education at a community college before transferring to a university
• look for work-study programs
• use CLEP testing to test out of certain classes
• see if your employer offers tuition-reimbursement
• set up a 529 plan
• find low-cost or tuition free-colleges

Tuition-Free Colleges in Illinois

Some students look for ways to reduce tuition, while others find schools that don't have tuition costs. Although tuition-free colleges aren't cost-free, they provide affordable opportunities for students looking to save money. These schools usually charge fees for examinations or offer a reimbursement provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA or meet other criteria.

Some of the tuition-free colleges in Illinois include:

• The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Millikin University
• National Louis University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Rasmussen University

FAQs About Free College in Illinois

Because college costs are among the biggest concerns for college students, they and their families often have questions about free college and other methods of reducing this financial burden.

Can I Go To College for Free in Illinois?

It is possible to attend free college if you are a qualifying student. Students must be residents of Illinois, either citizens or non-citizens. Additionally, students must be first-time, first-year undergraduate students. Students can apply for grants and scholarships that reduce or eliminate tuition costs if they meet the requirements. It is important to note that some programs restrict how and when the money can be used. Even if you qualify for grants and scholarships that cover 100% of your tuition, there might be other costs that you'll need to cover.

Is the University of Chicago Providing Free Tuition to Students With Grants and No Loans?

The University of Chicago has a program called the UChicago Empower Initiative. Students from families earning under $125,000 per year are eligible for free tuition, but they are still responsible for associated fees like room and board and various fees. UChicago Empower also includes a provision for students from families making under $60,000 per year. These students receive full tuition waivers, room and board, and have all fees covered by grants and scholarships. These programs are last-dollar grants that are applied after other federal student aid.

Who Is Eligible for the Illinois Promise Program?

Students eligible for the Illinois Promise Program must meet certain requirements, including:

• residency in Illinois
• graduation from an Illinois high school
• being a first-time student under the age of 24 or a transfer student
• no expected family contribution and family income must be below the poverty line at the time of application
• students must also be eligible for the federal Pell grant