Pilot Program Email to be Sent to Select First-time Freshmen Filers

ISAC will be running a direct email communication pilot program when the 2027-28 application cycle begins. This pilot program is expected to reach about 4,000 MAP-eligible first-time freshmen who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. 

As you know, most students are informed of their possible MAP grant eligibility when they receive a financial aid offer letter from an institution. Students who have not completed a college application, however, may never learn about their possible eligibility for a MAP grant. The purpose of this pilot program is to measure the effects of notifying students that they may be eligible for a MAP grant, which might encourage them to apply to a MAP-approved Illinois school instead of going out of state or not attending college at all. 

ISAC's contact information is included in the email for applicants who have questions or need assistance, however we want to ensure you are aware of this communication. You will be able to identify students who have received this communication in GAP Access. Receiving the email does not mean a student has been awarded a MAP grant. It indicates the student may be eligible based on information available to ISAC. 

A copy of the pilot program email appears below.

You recently submitted a 2027-28 FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid that may qualify you for funding through the state's Monetary Award Program, or MAP grant. MAP is a need-based grant program for eligible Illinois residents attending MAP-approved schools in Illinois. It is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Because MAP is a grant, that means it is funding for college you don't have to pay back! 

Your FAFSA or Alternative Application included one or more Illinois institutions. You could be eligible to receive a MAP grant at the Illinois institution(s) you listed on your FAFSA. (See all MAP-approved schools). We encourage you to use our MAP estimator to find out how much funding you might be able to receive. Please note your potential MAP eligibility is based on the information that was reported on your first FAFSA or Alternative Application filed. If your FAFSA or Alternative Application is corrected or updated, and your Student Aid Index (SAI) changes, your eligibility for MAP may change as well. 

Each Illinois college or university you apply to and list on your FAFSA or Alternative Application will decide how much funding you'll receive from MAP and other forms of financial aid. They will provide all official details. It's important to know that most colleges and universities only send financial aid offers to students after they apply for admission. 

ISAC provides other scholarships and grant programs that can help you pay for college at institutions in Illinois. To learn more about the financial aid process and available programs, visit isac.org. If you have questions about a specific program, contact us by calling 800.899.ISAC (4722) or email us at [email protected].

ISAC also offers free workshops and one-on-one support statewide to help you apply for college and financial aid. Our ISACorps can also support you every step of the way on your journey to college. Schedule an appointment for a free one-on-one virtual meeting at isac.org/booking or attend a free college and financial aid workshop in your community. Learn more and find an ISACorps™ member near you.