Important:

It’s almost time for College Changes Everything! View information about attending or holding a CCE event.

ISAC: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Emails

2027-28 MAP Start-Up Implemented

Delivered

October 7, 2026

2027-28 Monetary Award Program (MAP) records – reflecting the start-up formula that was approved at the September 17, 2026 Commission meeting – are now available to access via the MAP system. Effective immediately, all 2027-28 Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and Alternative Application Student Records received by ISAC through (including) Tuesday, October 6, 2026 are available with their accompanying eligibility status information. Daily processing of 2027-28 ISIR, Alternative Application, and eligibility status information has commenced. 

Processing Details 

  • The 2027-28 start-up formula: 
    • uses 2021-22 reported tuition and fees; 
    • uses the 2021-22 Pell Grant Payment Schedule; 
    • uses a $5,200 living allowance; and, 
    • has a maximum annual award amount of $8,400 (with an effective maximum of $8,064 after the 4% reduction). 
  • The MAP system can be experienced best using the Google Chrome browser. 
  • The ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal, which includes the MAP system, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - including holidays. 
  • Pilot Program to Notify Applicants of Possible MAP Eligibility: A direct email communication pilot program coincides with the start of the 2027-28 application cycle. The purpose of this pilot program is to measure the effects of notifying students that they may be eligible for a MAP grant. Further details, including the email text, are provided in a September 24, 2026 "Pilot Program Email to be Sent to Select First-time Freshmen Filers" e-Message. 

More Information Available Online 

  • The MAP section reflects the 2027-28 start-up formula. 
    • Details regarding calculating a term award for both semester and quarter schools are also available. 
    • The 2027-28 Hand Calculation Forms – Start-up document may be accessed via the MAP Formula area. 
  • 2027-28 MAP 160 Byte File Layout Specifications may be accessed via the Electronic Tools area of the e-Library for Partners.
  • 2027-28 Alternative Application Student Record School File may be accessed via the Electronic Tools area of the e-Library for Partners. 
  • The MAP Electronic Processing area provides detailed information about the MAP system. 

Notification to Applicants 

  • Colleges are required to announce MAP awards to eligible students enrolled at their institutions. 
    • Refer to the MAP Award Announcements page for details regarding college requirements. ISAC is finalizing the language for the 2027-28 awarding cycle, and will send an email to notify you when it is available. 

Reminders 

  • Colleges should encourage students to submit the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as possible. 
  • Encourage your students to visit the ISAC Student Portal to access: 
    • MAP Paid Credit Hours Display (located in the Program Applications & Status Checks area) – MAP grant recipients may use this option to track the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours they have remaining 

Watch for Future Updates 

Additional updates regarding the 2027-28 MAP processing cycle will be provided via ISAC's usual means of communication: the FAA Message Board; the MAP Program News area; and/or, this e-Messaging service.