Financing Your Education
Information About Financing Your Education
Learning how to finance your education is an important step as a college student. Below you will find some resources related to TheDream.US, Illinois state aid, scholarships, and the Center for Financial Literacy.
Who is Eligible?
Generally, Illinois residents who are undocumented and transgender students who have not registered for Selective Service are able to apply for aid through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
- Transgender Students
- According to the RISE Act, if you are eligible to file the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as a transgender student, you do not have to register for Selective Service in order to qualify for Illinois state aid. However, you will not be eligible for federal student aid if you are required to register for Selective Service but do not do so.
- Undocumented Students
- For eligible non-citizens to apply for a MAP grant through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you must meet the following criteria:
- You resided with your parent or legal guardian while attending a public or private high school in Illinois.
- You graduated from a private or public high school, or received the equivalent of a high school diploma, in Illinois.
- You had attended school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date you graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma.
- You will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity you are eligible to do so. By signing the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you will be providing an affidavit stating this intention.
- You have not established a residence outside of Illinois or hold a visa from another country.
- For eligible non-citizens to apply for a MAP grant through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you must meet the following criteria:
