Highlights from April 16 Commission Meeting

04/24/2026

The following informational updates were provided at the April 16, 2026 meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find a listing of all agenda items in the April 16, 2026 agenda book, which can be accessed via the ISAC's Governing Board: The Commission area of our website (isac.org).

IBHE Strategic Plan Update

  • As IBHE's strategic plan – A Thriving Illinois: Higher Education Paths to Equity, Sustainability and Growth – reaches its five-year point, ISAC is working closely with IBHE to assess what progress has been made toward meeting the three key goals of equity, sustainability, and growth.

ISAC Agency Update

  • Executive Director Eric Zarnikow noted that we had observed an increase in Monetary Award Program (MAP) application volume. Subsequently, ISAC announced on April 20 it is suspending the announcement of 2026-27 MAP grants for applicants whose initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is received by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), or whose initial Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) is received by ISAC, after Thursday, April 23, 2026.
  • We continue to track ISAC's progress against its Strategic Plan strategies and tactics to respond to changes in student and partner needs. Some of ISAC's ongoing efforts include a website redesign, a pilot message to MAP eligible students after filing a FAFSA or Alternative Application, and the implementation of One Click College Admit.
  • We are working diligently to close out FY26 and spend all our appropriations on our aid programs.

State Legislative Update

  • Senate budget hearings were held during the week of April 6, and House budget hearings will be held the week of April 20.
  • April 17 was the deadline for bills to be passed out of their originating chamber before moving to the next chamber for consideration before the scheduled May 31 adjournment.
  • Legislators seem to be following the Governor's request to limit the proposals for new programs and bills that would increase fiscal obligations.
  • Pending bills that would benefit ISAC programs:
    • HB5463 makes changes to the School and Municipal Social Worker Shortage Loan Repayment Program to permit school counselors to apply.
    • HB5460 expands eligible schools in the Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License Scholarship Program to include private, not-for profit institutions.
  • Other actions of interest:
    • SB3737 concerning protection for military service members who are deployed while enrolled in college and HB5093 concerning residency requirements for in-state tuition.
    • HB4229 concerning prevention of potential enrollment fraud is not moving forward.
    • Illinois General Assembly is considering proposals on the public university funding formula and the ability of community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees.

Additional Items

Other agenda items at the meeting included:

Next Meeting

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026.

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