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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Refunds are issued by University Bursar. You can review your account status on the University Bursar website(link is external). If your account has a credit balance pending, you can contact University Bursar at 217-333-2180 or email bursarhelp@uillinois.edu for information regarding the refund. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through University Bursar’s website in order to receive funds quicker, and avoid delays.
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). All first-time student and parent borrowers of federal Direct student loans, and borrowers whose previous MPN has expired, must complete the MPN before loan funds can be disbursed to your student account.
New students who will be using veteran and/or military benefits should send an email to finaid@uis.edu) so that the appropriate requirements can be added to your Student Self-Service portal. Please include your UIN and the specific benefit(s) that you have been awarded. A UIS Request for Benefits, available on our financial aid forms page, will be required for each semester that you intend to enroll and use military benefits. The form and additional instructions can be emailed to you upon request.
Entrance counseling ensures you understand the terms and conditions of your loan and your rights and responsibilities. You will learn what a loan is, how interest works, your options for repayment, and how to avoid delinquency and default. All first-time loan borrowers at UIS must complete entrance loan counseling.