2026-27 MAP Start-up Formula Approved

09/19/2025

The following actions were taken at the September 18, 2025 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find a listing of all agenda items in the September 18, 2025 agenda book, located in the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission section of ISAC's website (isac.org).

FY27 (2026-27 Academic Year) MAP Start-up Formula Approved – Agenda Item 4

Because the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) state budget process has not started yet, staff assumed that the Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive the same amount as the FY26 appropriation of $721.6 million. The Commission approved using the following FY26 recompute formula elements in the start-up formula for 2026-27 MAP grants:

  • 2021-22 reported tuition and fees;
  • the 2021-22 Pell Grant Payment Schedule;
  • a $5,200 living allowance; and,
  • an $8,400 maximum award (with an effective maximum of $8,064 after the 4% reduction).

Details of the approved start-up formula can be found at ISAC's website, in the MAP section of the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs area.

Encourage Students to Submit 2026-27 FAFSA® or Alternative Application

Encourage your college-bound seniors to submit the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as soon as the applications become available to all students (expected on October 1, 2025). ISAC staff monitors application volume throughout the year to ensure that MAP awarding fits the available funding.

Additional Items

The Commission also approved these items:

  • 2026 Meeting Dates – Agenda Item 1
  • College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program Updates – Agenda Item 5

Next Meeting

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025.

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If you have any questions, please contact School Services by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling 866.247.2172.