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Transfer students who choose the University of Illinois Springfield will soon have a new way to earn their degree without the financial burden of tuition and fees. Beginning in fall 2026, UIS will expand its Prairie Promise financial aid program to include eligible transfer students.
The initiative builds on UIS’ existing Prairie Promise, launched in October 2023, which guarantees full coverage of tuition and fees for qualified first-time, first-year undergraduate students.
Are you a student from Missouri, Iowa or Indiana dreaming of an affordable, top-quality education? Look no further! The University of Illinois Springfield has a fantastic opportunity just for you. UIS is offering in-state tuition to out-of-state students from your area. We'll guide you through the application process, ensuring you don't miss out on this game-changing chance to make your academic dreams come true.
Check the Requirements: To qualify for in-state tuition at UIS, you need to live in one of the following counties:
If I drop courses during the semester, how does that impact my financial aid?
Adding or dropping courses can affect your aid eligibility. You should contact a financial aid counselor before adding or dropping courses.
Is financial aid available during the summer?
Yes, financial aid is available during the summer. An undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least half-time (6 credit-hours) to be eligible for Pell grant and Direct loans. For a graduate student they must be enrolled in at least half-time (three credit-hours) to be eligible for Direct loans during the summer semester.
Why is there an adjustment on my MAP grant?
The MAP Grant pays according to the number of enrolled credit hours. Students enrolled in 15 or more credit hours will receive 100% of the MAP Grant award on their financial aid notification. Enrollment below 15 credit hours causes a prorated MAP disbursement. If the number of credit hours changes after the initial disbursement of the MAP Grant, by adding or dropping credit hours, the funds already paid to a student account may be adjusted.
Why did I receive MAP grant last year, but not this year?
Every year ISAC, the state agency that administers the MAP grant Program, determines a FAFSA submission deadline for MAP eligibility. Any student who submits their initial FAFSA after the state MAP deadline will not be eligible to receive it for that upcoming academic year.
The MAP Grant is a need-based award. Financial need is determined using the data submitted on the FAFSA. MAP Grant eligibility is determined by FAFSA information and tuition.
My family circumstances have changed since I submitted the FAFSA what can I do?
If your family circumstances have changed since submitting your FAFSA, please visit Change of Financial Situation. Every year ISAC, the state agency that administers the MAP grant Program, determines a FAFSA submission deadline for MAP eligibility. Any student who submits their initial FAFSA after the state MAP deadline will not be eligible to receive it for that upcoming academic year.
What is work study and how do I find a work study job?
Work study is a part-time employment program for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are at least half-time students in a degree program and demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA each year. If you have been awarded work study and would like to view work-study as well as part-time job listings, go to our CareerConnect website.
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. In order to be considered for aid programs administered by the UIS Office of Financial assistance, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
What happens if I withdraw from a class, or withdraw from the university completely?
Students who begin attendance and drop a class or withdraw completely from the university for the semester may experience a reduction in financial aid. Timing is also important. Please visit the Financial Aid Withdrawal policy for more details.