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Data, Research & Policy Analysis

Data, Research & Policy Analysis

ISAC's Research, Planning & Policy Analysis (RPPA) Department conducts research and analysis related to ISAC-administered student financial aid programs and general financial aid issues, as well as provides program evaluation, modeling and forecasting, market research, and strategic planning services. We provide higher education research and analysis services for partners and policymakers to support their policy and planning. Our research, data, and policy analysis also supports ISAC’s internal strategic work by providing context and framing solutions for policy, program, and business decisions of the agency.

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For additional information on available research or questions on research items, please contact us:


E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 217.782.8741
Mail: ISAC-RPPA
500 West Monroe
Springfield, IL 62704-1876

About ISAC

About ISAC

Established in 1957, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the state’s college access and financial aid agency.

Our mission is to provide Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.

ISAC administers most of the state’s financial aid for education after high school. We provide scholarships, grants--including the flagship Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), and loan repayment and forgiveness programs. MAP is one of the largest need-based grant programs in the country.

ISAC offers free help with college planning and financial aid to students and families in almost every community in Illinois. We support students and families with information and resources to explore and apply to education beyond high school. We also help them to navigate the financial aid process so they can pursue the education pathway that is right for them. We support all postsecondary pathways, whether that looks like a two or four-year degree program or a certificate program.

ISAC's Core Values

Our Core Values are meant to govern the actions of all ISAC employees and establish a standard of excellence for the agency.

As college access and financial aid experts, we offer professional development and training on these and related topics for school counselors, financial aid professionals, educators, non-profits, and other professionals. We provide extensive education-related research support as well as robust data on all ISAC programs.

ISAC is a leader in bringing together communities, institutions, agencies, and other partners to address the changing educational landscape. We lead the Illinois College Access Network, the Education Matters Illinois movement, and host many convenings throughout the year. Through this work, ISAC and our partners are working together to build innovative solutions to support students and families and communities--now and in the future. 

Careers

Interested in supporting access to higher education in Illinois? Work at the state’s college access and financial aid agency.

Consider a Career with ISAC

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Find ISAC Financial Aid Programs

Paying for College

ISAC Financial Aid Programs

Find Financial Aid

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 programs

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program (GA)

This program supports talented students who want to become teachers in high-need schools. It recruits high school graduates and early college students, prepares them for teaching careers, and provides scholarships to help them earn teaching degrees.

Teaching

Higher Education License Plate Program (HELP)

This program provides financial aid to students who attend colleges that participate in the special collegiate license plates. The Illinois Secretary of State issues special collegiate license plates for these institutions.

Illinois Veteran Grant Program (IVG)

This is an entitlement program – if you are eligible, you will receive benefits regardless of the annual budget approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor.

Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program (NELRP)

The Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program aims to address the shortage of nurses and instructors to staff courses teaching nursing in Illinois. The program is intended to pay eligible loans to encourage Illinois nurse educators to continue their teaching careers in the state.

Healthcare

John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (JRJ)

This program provides student loan repayment assistance to licensed local or state public defenders or prosecutors and federal public defenders who agree to remain employed as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years to encourage the recruitment and retention of attorneys in publ

Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program (HSPLRP)

This program provides loan repayment assistance to human services professionals to recruit and retain them for employment in community-based human service agencies in Illinois. It aims to address the high turnover rate at human service agencies that struggle to maintain consistent staffing.

Nursing Education Scholarship Program (NES)

This scholarship program is for Illinois students pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or an associate, bachelor’s, or a graduate degree in nursing. Students must demonstrate financial need to quality for the scholarship.

Healthcare

Grant Program for Exonerees

The Grant Program for Exonerees and Their Dependents pays tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois MAP-approved colleges and community colleges. The grant can also be used to pay for a high school equivalency certificate.

Program unavailable for 2026-27 Academic year

AIM HIGH Grant Program (AIMHIGH)

The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIMHIGH) Grant Program provides financial assistance to help pay for a full-time undergraduate student’s cost of attendance at one of Illinois’ 12 public four-year institutions.

State Scholar Program (SSP)

Approximately the top ten percent of graduates from approved high schools are announced as State Scholars each year. The year designation given to State Scholars applies to the year the student will begin college. For example, 2027-28 State Scholars will begin college in fall 2027.

Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (TI)

The Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program provides money for students who graduated from underserved school districts and commit to teach in eligible, underserved Illinois school districts. 

Teaching

Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program (ECACE)

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship was created to address the severe shortage of qualified early childhood educators in Illinois. It aims to build a well-prepared workforce by offering financial aid to current professionals pursuing degrees or credentials.

Teaching

For Students

For Students & Parents

ISAC offers all sorts of resources, programs, and free support for students, parents, and student loan borrowers. Whether you are just starting to think about education after high school, currently in college, or have graduated and are managing student loans, we’ve got you!

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Explore & Plan

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Learn about the State Scholar designation recognizing Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement.

Apply for Financial Aid

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Get Connected

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ISAC’s First Up Podcast

Take a listen to a collection of stories and advice from several First-Generation professionals.

Also Check out ISAC Videos for First Generation College students!

Listen Now!

For Student Loan Borrowers

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Exploring College & Career

Exploring College & Career

What’s your dream? Education after high school can help make it happen.

Maybe you already have some career goals in mind but never thought college would be possible for you. Maybe you have an idea or know what you love to do but figuring out how to get there feels too overwhelming. Maybe you have no idea what you are interested in. Or maybe you’ve made the decision to go to college but need some help in getting there.

Education after high school can transform your life and your future. It can impact not only how much money you can make, but even your future health and your community. But remember that “college” doesn’t have to mean a four-year or even a two-year degree. That’s great for some people but not for everyone. It could mean a high-quality certificate in a trade.

Wherever you are – start here! Explore careers that might be interesting to you. Compare colleges and programs. Learn about college admissions and financial aid. Get support from real people who have had similar experiences, questions, and challenges. Find the path that works for you.

Ready to explore the possibilities? ISAC can help!

College Admission

Get direct admission to Illinois community colleges and participating public universities with One Click College Admit. No application fees, no essays, no letters of recommendation—all you need is your GPA for admission. Fast, easy, and stress free.  Say goodbye to the lengthy application process!

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ISAC Brochures and Print Materials

View and order ISAC brochures summarizing our programs and explaining financial aid, and post cards with additional information for students and families navigating the college and financial aid process.

Order or Download Materials

Events & Workshops

Events & Workshops

All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified.

To schedule events for your school or organization, please submit an Outreach Event Request.
 

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We provide personalized support for students and families.

You can make an appointment for a virtual 1:1 with your ISACorps representative to cover a wide array of topics.

Book Now!
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