Financial Assistance

The primary purpose of the financial assistance programs at Governors State University (GovState) is to assist students in obtaining the financial resources necessary to pursue and complete their educational goals. Financial assistance programs are intended to supplement student and family resources and may include federal, state, institutional, local, and private sources of assistance.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships administers and coordinates a variety of financial assistance programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, employment opportunities, veterans educational benefits, assistantships, and tuition waivers. Financial assistance programs may be either need-based or non-need-based.

Students are encouraged to apply early for financial assistance each academic year. Financial aid eligibility is determined through an evaluation of federal, state, institutional, and program-specific requirements. Financial need calculations may consider income, assets, household size, enrollment level, dependency status, cost of attendance, and other factors affecting a student’s financial circumstances.

Additional information regarding financial aid policies, procedures, and consumer information is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the GovState Consumer Information webpage.

Applying for Financial Assistance

Students seeking financial assistance should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually as early as possible after the application becomes available, typically on or around October 1. The FAFSA is available online through the Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships processes financial aid applications on a year-round basis. Students may also be required to submit additional documentation or institutional forms to complete the financial aid process.

Applications selected for verification or review by the U.S. Department of Education or the University may require students to provide supporting documentation before aid eligibility can be finalized. Financial aid applications are not considered complete until all required documentation has been received and reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Students are responsible for:

• Submitting accurate and complete information;
• Monitoring their GovState email and student portal for requests for additional information;
• Meeting all published deadlines;
• Reporting outside financial assistance received from external organizations or agencies; and
• Reapplying for financial assistance each academic year.

Detailed information regarding application procedures, forms, deadlines, and financial aid requirements is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

General Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements vary by financial assistance program. In general, students must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen;
• Be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program;
• Meet applicable enrollment requirements for the aid program;
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward degree completion;
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal or state grant;
• Possess a valid Social Security number, if required; and
• Comply with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements.

Certain aid programs may require additional eligibility criteria, including financial need, academic merit, residency, program enrollment, teaching commitments, military service, or participation in specific fields of study.

Selection and Award Determination

Financial assistance awards are determined based on applicable federal, state, institutional, and donor requirements. Selection criteria and award amounts may include:

• Demonstrated financial need as determined through FAFSA data;
• Cost of attendance;
• Enrollment intensity;
• Availability of funding;
• Academic achievement or merit;
• Residency status;
• Program of study;
• Timeliness of application completion; and
• Other program-specific eligibility requirements.

Students with exceptional financial need may receive priority consideration for limited funding programs.

Award amounts may be adjusted due to changes in enrollment, receipt of additional aid resources, verification results, professional judgment determinations, changes in residency classification, withdrawal from coursework, failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, or other eligibility changes.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid is generally disbursed each academic term after eligibility requirements have been verified and enrollment has been confirmed.

Students must:

• Accept applicable financial aid awards;
• Complete all required loan counseling and promissory note requirements, if applicable;
• Meet satisfactory academic progress standards; and
• Be enrolled in eligible coursework applicable to their academic program.

Federal, state, and institutional aid may be adjusted based on actual enrollment status at the census date or at other points required by federal or state regulations.

Financial aid funds are applied directly to institutional charges, including tuition, fees, housing, and other authorized charges. Excess financial aid funds remaining after institutional charges have been satisfied are refunded to eligible students through direct deposit or other authorized refund methods.

Refunds are processed no later than 14 days after financial aid funds have been posted to the student account.

Students enrolled less than full-time may receive prorated financial aid awards where required by federal or state regulations.

Rights and Responsibilities of Financial Aid Recipients

Students receiving financial assistance have both rights and responsibilities associated with financial aid eligibility and receipt of funds.

Students have the right to:

• Receive information regarding available financial assistance programs;
• Understand application procedures and deadlines;
• Receive information regarding award determination and disbursement procedures;
• Know the terms and conditions of financial aid awards;
• Understand satisfactory academic progress requirements;
• Request reconsideration of financial aid eligibility under certain circumstances; and
• Review institutional policies regarding financial aid, refunds, and withdrawal.

Students receiving financial assistance are responsible for:

• Providing complete and accurate information;
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress;
• Using financial aid funds solely for educational expenses;
• Monitoring and responding to University communications;
• Reporting changes in enrollment, residency, academic program, or financial circumstances;
• Reporting receipt of outside scholarships or educational assistance;
• Completing all required counseling and documentation requirements;
• Repaying student loans according to the terms of the loan agreement; and
• Complying with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies.

Students who withdraw from courses or cease attendance may be subject to adjustments or repayment requirements under federal Return to Title IV regulations and institutional refund policies.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal and state regulations require students receiving financial assistance to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree or certificate program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress standards generally include:

• Minimum cumulative grade point average requirements;
• Successful completion of a required percentage of attempted credit hours (Completion Rate/Pace); and
• Maximum timeframe limitations for degree completion.

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress may lose eligibility for financial assistance.

Students may have opportunities to re-establish eligibility through:

• Improvement of academic performance;
• Completion of coursework without financial assistance; or
• Successful SAP appeals.

Additional information regarding satisfactory academic progress standards, appeal procedures, warning statuses, probation, and reinstatement is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. 

Financial Assistance Programs Available

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships administers and coordinates financial assistance from federal, state, institutional, private, and external sources. Financial assistance programs available to eligible students generally fall into the following categories: Student Employment; Federal Financial Assistance Programs; State of Illinois Financial Assistance Programs; Veterans Educational Benefits; Institutional Scholarships, Assistantships, and Employment; and Tuition Waivers.

Financial assistance programs may be either need-based or non-need-based and may be awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, enrollment status, residency, program of study, military affiliation, donor criteria, or other eligibility requirements established by federal, state, institutional, or private funding sources.

Additional information regarding available financial assistance programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, award criteria, borrowing limits, and student responsibilities is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Student Employment 

Student employment opportunities may be available through Federal Work-Study and institutional employment programs.

Employment opportunities are generally:

• Part-time in nature;
• Intended to complement academic schedules;
• Subject to available funding and departmental needs; and
• Dependent upon continued enrollment and satisfactory academic standing.

Student employees are paid for hours worked according to established payroll procedures and applicable employment regulations. More information can be found within Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Institutional Student Employment.

Federal Financial Assistance Programs 

Federal Pell Grant 

The Federal Pell Grant is available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA.
• Eligibility Requirements: First-time undergraduate students enrolled in eligible degree-seeking programs.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to federal need analysis methodology.
• Award Determination: Based on federal eligibility formulas, enrollment status, and annual federal appropriations. Students enrolled in less than 12 eligible credit hours will have their Pell Grant prorated.
• Repayment Requirement: None, provided eligibility requirements are maintained.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA.
• Eligibility Requirements: First-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need and Pell Grant eligibility.
• Selection Criteria: Priority is generally given to students with the greatest demonstrated financial need and FAFSA receipt date.
• Award Determination: Based on federal funding allocations, institutional awarding policies, and student need.
• Repayment Requirement: None, provided eligibility requirements are maintained.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA.
• Eligibility Requirements: Demonstrated financial need and enrollment in an eligible program.
• Selection Criteria: Based on financial need and available funding.
• Award Determination: Based on student need, availability of funding, and institutional employment opportunities.
• Employment Conditions: Students are paid for hours worked and must maintain eligibility requirements.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Loans

Types of Federal Loans include: Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and Direct PLUS Loans for parents or graduate/professional students*.

*Graduate and professional students who do not qualify (or no longer qualify) for the limited exception on or after July 1, 2026, are not eligible to borrow Direct PLUS Loans.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA and any required federal loan application processes, including completion of applicable Master Promissory Notes (MPNs) and loan counseling requirements.
• Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework. Students enrolled less than full-time will have their loans prorated in accordance with federal regulation.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to federal need analysis, federal eligibility requirements, and annual/aggregate borrowing limits.
• Award Determination: Based on financial need, grade level, enrollment status, dependency status, cost of attendance, and annual/aggregate loan limits.
• Loan Terms: The federal government pays interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during authorized deferment periods.
• Repayment: Repayment generally begins after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment, unless the borrower elects otherwise.

Annual loan amounts may be prorated based on enrollment status where required by federal regulations.

Complete the FAFSA available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA and any required federal loan application processes, including completion of applicable Master Promissory Notes (MPNs) and loan counseling requirements.
• Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework. Students enrolled less than full-time will have their loans prorated in accordance with federal regulation.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to federal eligibility requirements and annual/aggregate borrowing limits.
• Award Determination: Based on grade level, enrollment status, dependency status, cost of attendance, and annual/aggregate borrowing limits.
• Loan Terms: Interest accrues from the date of disbursement.
• Repayment: Repayment generally begins after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment, unless the borrower elects otherwise.

Annual loan amounts may be prorated based on enrollment status where required by federal regulations.

Complete the FAFSA available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans 

Federal PLUS Loans are federal loans available to eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students (Parent PLUS Loans) and eligible graduate or professional students (Graduate PLUS Loans)* to assist with educational expenses not covered by other financial aid.

• Application Procedures: Students and/or parents must complete the FAFSA and any required federal loan application processes, including completion of applicable Master Promissory Notes (MPNs) and loan counseling requirements.
• Eligibility Requirements: Parent PLUS Loans are available to eligible biological or adoptive parents (and, in some cases, stepparents) of dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework. Graduate PLUS Loans* are available to eligible graduate/professional students enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework. Students enrolled less than full-time will have their loans prorated in accordance with federal regulation.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to federal eligibility requirements, borrower credit history review, and annual/aggregate borrowing limits.
• Award Determination: Generally limited to the student’s cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance received for the academic period.
• Loan Terms: Interest accrues from the date of disbursement.
• Credit Requirements: Borrowers with adverse credit history may be required to obtain an endorser or complete additional federal loan counseling requirements to qualify.
• Repayment: Repayment of Parent PLUS Loans generally begins once the loan has been fully disbursed, although deferment options may be available while the student is enrolled. Repayment of Graduate PLUS Loans generally begins after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment, unless the borrower elects otherwise.

*Graduate and professional students who do not qualify (or no longer qualify) for the limited exception on or after July 1, 2026, are not eligible to borrow Direct PLUS Loans.

For more information regarding Federal PLUS Loans, visit the Federal Student Aid PLUS Loans webpage.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Loan Information and Borrower Responsibilities 

Students who borrow federal student loans are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions associated with borrowing.

Federal student loan borrowers are generally required to:

• Complete entrance counseling prior to receiving loan funds;
• Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN);
• Complete exit counseling when graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time enrollment; and
• Repay all borrowed loan funds, including accrued interest and applicable fees.

Repayment of federal student loans generally begins after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment, unless the borrower elects otherwise.

Students are encouraged to review estimated repayment obligations and utilize federal loan repayment resources available through the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Loan Borrowing Limits

Federal law establishes annual and aggregate borrowing limits for federal student loans.

Student and parent borrowers should carefully review annual and aggregate federal borrowing limits before accepting federal loan funds. Federal law and regulatory changes may affect annual or aggregate borrowing eligibility, repayment options, loan program availability, or continued eligibility under legacy/grandfathered borrowing provisions*.

Students enrolled in graduate and professional programs with historically high borrowing levels, including doctoral and clinical programs, are strongly encouraged to carefully monitor cumulative federal borrowing and consult regularly with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding remaining eligibility, repayment obligations, and alternative financing options. Students are encouraged to refer to the Federal Student Aid resources.

*Some borrowers may remain temporarily eligible under prior (“legacy” or “grandfathered”) federal borrowing provisions if qualify for limited exception status, maintain continuous enrollment, and satisfy all applicable federal eligibility requirements. However, students who withdraw, interrupt enrollment, fail to maintain eligibility requirements, or otherwise lose limited exception status may become subject to newer federal borrowing limitations, revised aggregate loan caps, or modified repayment provisions upon re-enrollment.

TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who intend to teach in high-need fields.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA, TEACH Grant counseling, and Agreement to Serve requirements.
• Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in an eligible program and maintenance of required academic standards.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to federal eligibility requirements.
• Award Determination: Based on federal annual award limits and student eligibility.
• Service Obligation: Recipients must complete qualifying teaching service requirements or the grant is converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid in full, including accrued interest.

For more information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov.

State of Illinois Financial Assistance Programs

Montary Award Program (MAP) Grant

The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant is available to eligible first-time undergraduate Illinois residents with demonstrated financial need.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alt. App.).
• Eligibility Requirements: Illinois residency, undergraduate enrollment, and demonstrated financial need.
• Selection Criteria: Determined according to Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) requirements.
• Award Determination: Based on state formulas, enrollment level, and available state funding. Students enrolled in less than 15 credit hours will have their MAP Grant prorated.
• Repayment Requirement: None.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov or complete the Alt. App. form available online at https://www.isac.org/alternative-application.

AIM HIGH Scholarship 

AIM HIGH Scholarships are merit-based scholarships administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

• Application Procedures: Students may be automatically considered according to institutional procedures.
• Eligibility Requirements: Incoming eligible undergraduate students meeting institutional criteria.
• Selection Criteria: Academic merit and other institutional criteria.
• Award Determination: Based on institutional awarding policies and available funding.
• Repayment Requirement: None.

Details available through https://www.govst.edu/AIMHIGH/.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov or complete the Alt. App. form available online at https://www.isac.org/alternative-application.

Additional State Programs

Additional state grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers may be available, including:

• Police, Fire, Correctional Officer Grant Program;
• Golden Apple Scholars Program;
• Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program;
• Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program; and
• Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services assistance.

Eligibility requirements, application procedures, award amounts, and service obligations vary by program.

Details available through the following webpages: Illinois Student Assistance Commission - PFC Program, Illinois Student Assistance Commission - Golden Apple, Illinois Student Assistance Commission - Teachers of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission - SETTW Program, and Office of Rehabilitation Services.

Complete the FAFSA form available online at www.studentaid.gov or complete the Alt. App. form available online at https://www.isac.org/alternative-application.

Veterans Educational Benefits 

Veterans educational benefits are available to eligible veterans, service members, and dependents.

Programs may include:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits;
• Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits;
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits;
• Illinois Veteran Grant benefits; and
• Other military educational assistance programs.

Students utilizing veterans educational benefits should contact the GovState Veterans Resource Center for assistance regarding certification procedures, eligibility requirements, and enrollment requirements.

Student Veteran Attendance Pending VA Payment

In compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(e), Governors State University will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution:

• Prevent their enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to;
• Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
• Provide written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment.

Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)

The Illinois Veteran Grant provides tuition and mandatory fee assistance for eligible Illinois veterans.

• Application Procedures: Students must apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
• Eligibility Requirements: Illinois residency and qualifying military service.
• Selection Criteria: Determined by ISAC.
• Award Determination: Covers eligible tuition and mandatory fees subject to program limitations.

Details available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission - Illinois Veteran Grant.

Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant 

The Illinois National Guard Grant provides tuition and fee assistance to eligible Illinois National Guard members.

• Application Procedures: Students must apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
• Eligibility Requirements: Qualifying Illinois National Guard service.
• Selection Criteria: Determined by ISAC.
• Award Determination: Covers eligible tuition and fees subject to state regulations.

Details available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission - Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant, or through your IL National Guard Unit.

Illinois MIA/POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship

This scholarship provides tuition and fee assistance for eligible dependents of qualifying Illinois veterans.

• Application Procedures: Students must apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
• Eligibility Requirements: Dependent status and qualifying veteran eligibility.
• Selection Criteria: Determined by applicable state agencies.
• Award Determination: Covers eligible tuition and mandatory fees subject to program regulations.

Details available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission - MIA/POW and https://veterans.illinois.gov/.

Institutional Scholarships, Assistantship, and Employment

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships may be available to eligible graduate students.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete applicable institutional application processes.
• Eligibility Requirements: Graduate-level degree-seeking enrollment in eligible coursework and compliance with institutional employment standards.
• Selection Criteria: Qualifications, departmental needs, and available funding.
• Award Determination: Based on assistantship availability, funding allocations, and institutional policies.
• Employment Conditions: Assistantships generally require work responsibilities in exchange for stipends and/or tuition waivers.

Details can be found at https://www.govst.edu/work-study/.

Institutional Student Employment 

Institutional student employment opportunities may be available for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete applicable institutional application processes.
• Eligibility Requirements: Degree-seeking enrollment in eligible coursework and compliance with institutional employment standards.
• Selection Criteria: Qualifications, departmental needs, and available funding.
• Award Determination: Based on position availability, funding allocations, and institutional policies.

Details can be found at https://www.govst.edu/work-study/.

GovState Foundation and Alumni Scholarships

The GovState Foundation awards scholarships throughout the academic year through Scholarship Universe.

• Application Procedures: Students must complete the online scholarship application/profile process.
• Eligibility Requirements: Vary according to donor and scholarship criteria.
• Selection Criteria: May include financial need, academic achievement, program of study, leadership, community service, or donor-specific requirements.
• Award Determination: Determined according to scholarship criteria and available funding.

Students are encouraged to complete and maintain an updated scholarship profile to maximize scholarship consideration.

For links to Scholarship Universe, exact dates of application cycles, FAQs, tips, tricks, and guides, please visit www.govst.edu/foundationscholarships/.

Tuition Waivers 

Governors State University administers mandatory and discretionary tuition and fee waivers in accordance with applicable Illinois laws, regulations, and institutional policies. Eligibility criteria, award amounts, renewal requirements, and application procedures vary by waiver program.

This section outlines the University processes for authorizing tuition and fee waiver programs and the purposes of such programs, establishing waiver budget and expenditure levels, and allocating waivers to waiver programs. Tuition and fee waivers are an agreement between the student and the University to reduce or eliminate assessed tuition and/or fees. All Illinois public universities are authorized to award two general types of tuition and fee waivers: Mandatory Waivers and Discretionary Waivers.

• Mandatory Waiver means a waiver that an institution is required by State statute to grant to students who meet the specific parameters and criteria included in the statute.
• Discretionary Waiver means a waiver that is granted at the discretion of the institution. Discretionary waivers include the following categories:
• Faculty and Staff Waiver means a discretionary waiver awarded to public university faculty, staff, or other employees, or their dependents.
• Student Talent or Merit Waiver means a discretionary waiver awarded to students based on talent in a particular field, academic merit, or special status.
• Student Need Waiver means a discretionary waiver granted to students demonstrating financial need.
• Student Service Waiver means a discretionary waiver granted to students to support the University mission, goals, and objectives through participation in outside contracts; graduate or undergraduate research, teaching, or other assignments; training or grant programs; external internship programs; clinical portions of degree programs conducted at other institutions; or other student experiences.

Mandatory Waivers

Teachers Scholarships - Special Education Grants: Provides tuition and necessary fee awards to encourage current teachers and academically talented students to pursue careers in any area of special education as a public or private elementary or secondary school teacher in Illinois. Recipients are exempt from paying tuition and fees at an eligible institution for up to four years. Purpose: To provide financial incentives to pursue special education teacher training. Eligibility and Criteria: As determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), participants must be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen; an Illinois resident; agree to take courses to prepare for the teaching of handicapped children or children with learning disabilities; be an Illinois high school graduate and rank in the upper half of the graduating class, or hold a valid teaching certificate that is not in the discipline of special education; and not have received a waiver under this program in the past. Participants are required to contract with the Illinois Student Assistant Commission and teach special education for two years within the five-year period following graduation. See details in Special Education Tuition waiver section above.

General Assembly Scholarships: Each member of the General Assembly may grant, annually, two four-year scholarships, one for the University of Illinois, and the other for any state-supported university, to persons from his/her district. The scholarships exempt the holder from paying tuition or fees, with the exception of fees for book rental, service, laboratory, supply, union building, hospital and medical insurance, and any fees pledged for the payment of interest and principal on bonds for the operation and maintenance of buildings. Purpose: To extend opportunities to attend the University of Illinois or other state-supported universities. Eligibility and Criteria: Students must live in the nominating legislator’s district and are required to sign a waiver of confidentiality concerning scholarship information. This program was abolished in 2012. Only persons nominated to receive or awarded such a scholarship before September 1, 2012 are entitled to the scholarship.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships: Scholarships are offered to residents of Illinois whose scholastic standing enables them to enroll in ROTC programs. The scholarships exempt the holder from paying tuition and/or fees, with the exception of fees for book rental, service, laboratory, supply, union building, hospital and medical insurance, and any fees pledged for the payment of interest and principal on bonds for the operation and maintenance of buildings. Purpose: To encourage their participation in the ROTC programs. Eligibility and Criteria: Residents of the State of Illinois whose scholastic standing will enable them to enroll in the ROTC programs available at universities supported by the State of Illinois are eligible. Applicants are required to take an examination each year according to rules prescribed by the presidents, or designees, of participating institutions. Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to those eligible recipients receiving the highest grades with evidence of leadership ability. Applicants also must submit to the institution Selective Service registration compliance documentation. Waivers shall be awarded at each university on the basis of the equivalent of 10 scholarships per class, per branch of service, each academic year.

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Scholarships and Fee Waiver: DCFS annually selects 48 children, at least four of whom are children of veterans, for scholarship and fee waivers for four consecutive years at any university or college maintained by the State of Illinois. Selection is based on scholastic record, aptitude, and general interest in higher education. Purpose: To give financial assistance for college expenses to selected children under the care of the Department. Eligibility and Criteria: DCFS may select 48 students under their care, at least four of whom must be children of veterans, on the basis of scholastic record, aptitude, and interest in higher education, and who have completed four years of high school.

Partial Tuition Waivers for Children of University Employees: Public University governing boards must offer fifty percent tuition waivers for undergraduate education to the children of employees who have been employed by the granting university and/or any public university in Illinois for an aggregate of at least seven years. Participants must be under the age of 25 and qualify for admission to the University. Purpose: To grant partial tuition waivers to the children of employees to attend the University. Eligibility and Criteria: The parent or guardian of the waiver recipient must have been employed by any public university for at least seven years. Children receiving the waivers must be undergraduates, under age 25 at the commencement of the academic year in which the waiver takes effect, must qualify for admission, and can only receive a maximum of four years of partial tuition waiver benefits.

Senior Citizen Courses Act: Permits senior citizens, over the age of 65, to enroll in regularly scheduled credit courses at public institutions of higher education without payment of tuition. This does not include payment of fees. Limited to persons whose annual income is less than the threshold amount in the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act.  Purpose: To provide tuition-free credit courses for senior citizens that attend public institutions of higher education in Illinois. Eligibility and Criteria: Must be age 65 or older with an annual household income below the threshold amount of the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act.

Illinois Veterans Grants Illinois Veterans Grants (also see Veterans Assistance section above): The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program provides coverage for eligible tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate and graduate students at 2- or 4-year Illinois public higher education institutions. This program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Purpose: To provide tuition and fee grants to students that satisfy the Illinois residency and armed forces service history requirements as determined by ISAC. Eligibility and Criteria: Students must meet residency requires, have served (or are actively serving) honorably while meeting the minimum required active duty service duration, not be a current member the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and not be in default on any student loan or owe a return of funds for any state or federal grant. Recipients must satisfy the institution’s minimum grade level requirements. Further details can be found on ISAC.org.

Illinois National Guard Grants (also see Veterans Assistance section above): The Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant provides coverage for eligible tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate students at 2- or 4-year Illinois public higher education institutions who are members of the Illinois National Guard. This program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Purpose: To provide tuition and eligible fee grants to Illinois National Guard members, and qualifying recently discharged Illinois National Guard members, who meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility and Criteria: Members of the Illinois National Guard who have completed one full year of service are eligible. Former members of the Illinois National Guard may also be eligible if they were active for at least five consecutive years and have been called to federal active duty for at least six months. These individuals must be within 12 months of their discharge date from the Illinois National Guard to be eligible. All recipient eligibility is also contingent on enrollment in an Illinois public two- or four-year institution. Recipients must satisfy the institution’s minimum grade level requirements, and not be in default on any student loan or owe a return of funds for any state or federal grant.

MIA/POW Scholarships (also see Veterans Assistance section above): Eligible dependents of a qualified veteran may be awarded a MIA/POW Scholarship at an Illinois public higher education institution. The scholarship covers eligible tuition and mandatory fees. This scholarship program is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). Purpose: To provide eligible tuition and fee scholarships to dependents of qualifying deceased, disabled, and MIA/POW veterans. Eligibility and Criteria: Any spouse, natural child, stepchild under the age of 18 at the time of marriage, adopted child under the age of 18 at the time of adoption, or minor child younger than 18 who is under a court-ordered guardianship for at least 2 continuous years prior to application, of a qualifying veteran shall be awarded a MIA/POW scholarship at an Illinois public higher education institution. Further information can be found at ISAC.org and https://veterans.illinois.gov/.

Discretionary Waivers

Faculty/Staff Waivers: Tuition and fee waivers awarded to University faculty, staff, or other employees or their dependents. Purpose: To provide educational benefits to the employees of the University, their dependents, and employees of other institutions. Eligibility and Criteria: Must be a member of the University faculty or administrative staff or an employee covered by the State Universities Civil Service System. This includes:

• Civil Service Staff: University Employees
• Civil Service Staff: Interinstitutional and Related Agencies
• Faculty and Staff
• Retired University Employees
• Children of Deceased Employees

Student Talent/Merit Waivers: Tuition and fee waivers awarded to students based on talent in a particular field, academic merit, or special status. Purpose: To provide financial assistance to students with academic talent or special status. Eligibility and Criteria: Based on academic record, other academic talent, or special status. This includes:

• Athletic
• Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics
• Freshmen
• Dual Degree Program (DDP) - Honors
• Creative Arts Talent Scholarship

Student Need Waivers: Tuition and fee waivers granted to students demonstrating financial need. Purpose: To provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need or hardship. Eligibility and Criteria: Recipients must demonstrate financial need and/or be enrolled in special academic programs or other University activities. This includes:

• Dual Degree Program (DDP) - Promise
• Special Program Waiver

Student Service Waivers/Assistantships: Tuition and fee waivers granted to students to support the University mission, goals, and objectives through participation in outside contracts; graduate or undergraduate research, teaching, or other assignments; training or grant programs; external internship programs; clinical portions of degree programs conducted at other institutions; or other student experiences. Purpose: To provide educational benefits and financial incentives to students and to provide students with valuable educational experiences. Eligibility and Criteria: Recipients must be enrolled in the University or under contract and, for the educational experiences and benefits, agree to perform related services. This includes:

• Teaching Assistantship
• Research Assistantship
• Laboratory Assistantship
• Tutoring Assistantship
• Graduate Assistantship

Additional Information 

Additional financial aid information, consumer disclosures, financial literacy resources, loan repayment tools, and financial aid policies are available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Students are encouraged to review all applicable policies and maintain regular communication with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding questions related to eligibility, borrowing, enrollment changes, or financial aid requirements.