ISAC Student PortalNES Eligibility Requirements
NOTICE: 2026-27 Alternative Application
As of July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive state financial assistance for the 2026-2027 school year. For this reason, the 2026-27 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is no longer available. Students that do not complete the 2026-27 FAFSA and would have completed the 2026-27 Alternative Application will not be able to be considered for this program.
The eligibility criteria for the 2027-28 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid will be changing. This application is scheduled to be released on October 1, 2026. Please visit isac.org/AlternativeApp for more information.
{ISAC Rules, Part 2749.100}
To qualify for a Nursing Education Scholarship, an applicant must:
- be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (FSA Handbook Volume 1, Chapter 2)
- be an Illinois resident for at least one year prior to the date of application
- be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to a nursing or nursing education program in Illinois that is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the Illinois Board of Higher Education
- demonstrate financial need
- maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the college
- establish satisfactory repayment arrangements if they are in default on any federal student loan
- sign an Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note promising to fulfill the employment commitment or repay funds received, plus interest
