AIM HIGH Grant for New First-Year and Transfer Students

The AIM High Program, funded by the State of Illinois, provides merit-based grants to undergraduate students. The award is designed to encourage Illinois students to attend an in-state university, improve college affordability, and reduce student loan debt. The University of Illinois Springfield will provide $1,000- $3,000 per year awards to new freshmen and transfer in-state students who meet all of the following criteria:

• For the first year of enrollment at UIS, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid and demonstrate financial need, with a household income no greater than 8 times the poverty guideline established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• be a resident of Illinois and have attended an Illinois high school.
• meet the minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
• be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in a first bachelor's degree program.
• not be incarcerated.
• not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant.

Priority will be given to students enrolled in an on-campus academic program with an SAI as calculated on the FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application of less than $30,000.

Awards are based on available funding, and funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority deadline for consideration of AIM HIGH Grant funds is May 1. Students should be admitted to UIS and have a FAFSA or RISE application submitted no later than May 1 for consideration of AIM HIGH funds.

This eligibility criteria is in effect for 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Renewal Criteria

The AIM High Grant is renewable and available for up to four years (eight semesters) of continuous full-time enrollment provided the student meets Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and maintains a 2.5 GPA.

Maximum Income Level for AIM HIGH Grant