RISE Act

a transparent butterfly on top of a group of students

The Retaining Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for ISAC gift assistance programs. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a way for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.

Undocumented students may be eligible to apply for the MAP grant if they meet all of these criteria, which are based on Illinois statute regarding in-state tuition eligibility: 

  • the individual resided with his or her parent or guardian while attending an Illinois public or private high school,
  • the individual graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois,
  • the individual attended school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date the individual graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma,
  • the individual provides an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so and 
  • the individual has not established a residence outside of Illinois. 

°Õ³ó±ð  is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. 

If you are unable to submit your application, please contact ISAC by phone at 800-899-ISAC (4722) or by email at isac.studentservices@illinois.gov.