Upcoming Important Dates from ISAC

05/28/2026

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) would like to make you aware of the following information, which may be of interest to students and their families.

Links in this message are to corresponding pages at ISAC's website, unless otherwise noted. (isac.org).

You may either scroll through the remainder of this message, or click on the appropriate link(s) to go directly to a specific section:

2027-28 (July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028)

2026-27 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027)

2025-26 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026)

General Information (Not Specific to One Academic Year)


2027-28 ACADEMIC YEAR

By June 30, 2026: High School Juniors Take College Assessment Exams for 2027-28 State Scholar Consideration

Eligibility for the State Scholar Program is based, in part, on a student's highest qualifying ACT or SAT score. High school juniors who are potential candidates will need to take one of the accepted exams during the specified timeframe to be considered for State Scholar designation, even though Illinois' public institutions are now prohibited from requiring the submission of student test scores as part of the admissions process.

For students who are currently high school juniors, only exams taken between August 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 qualify for consideration in the State Scholar announcements that will be made during their senior year (i.e., high school juniors, who will be college freshmen during the 2027-28 academic year, will be named Scholars during the fall of 2026). Further details are provided at the State Scholar Program page of our website.


2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR

FAFSA and Alternative Application Remain Available

Suspense Update: Although ISAC has suspended the announcement of 2026-27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants (for all students whose initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) was submitted to the federal processor, or whose initial Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) was submitted to ISAC after April 23, 2026), these 2026-27 applications continue to be available online.

The 2026-27 FAFSA remains available online, and – if not already done – should be completed as soon as possible by students who will be attending college between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Specific details, including links to several online resources, may be accessed via the Financial Aid Planning section (which is located within the Students & Parents – Before College area). FAFSA results are used to determine eligibility for the MAP grant, as well as several other forms of federal, state, and institutional financial assistance.

In addition, the 2026-27 Alternative Application is also available (in English and Spanish). Qualifying students may file the Alternative Application – which is patterned after the FAFSA – to apply for the MAP grant. Further details are provided at ISAC's Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act page.

Mid-June: ING Grant Application

The interactive application for the 2026-27 Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program is anticipated to be available to complete and submit online via the Program Applications & Status Checks area of the ISAC Student Portal in mid-June 2026. Use the 2026-27 application to apply for the fall 2026, spring 2027 and summer 2027 terms.

If you have not already done so, be sure to create a profile in the ISAC Student Portal. Once you have a profile, you can return to the Student Portal to check your application status, verify the number of ING Grant eligibility units you have remaining or, if necessary, print a duplicate copy of your ING Grant eligibility notification.

Because this is an entitlement program, receipt of benefits does not depend on the annual budget process. Illinois public two- and four-year colleges are required to waive any eligible tuition and allowable fees that are not covered by state appropriations.

Mid-June: Grant Programs for Dependents of Police/Fire/Correctional Officers Application

The 2026-27 application for the following programs is anticipated to be available to complete and submit online via the Program Applications & Status Checks area of the ISAC Student Portal in mid-June 2026.


2025-26 ACADEMIC YEAR

Spring 2026 Graduates Reminded to Review Program Requirements

If you received awards from any of the programs listed below and are no longer enrolled (or will soon no longer be enrolled), review the program requirements to make sure you fulfill all obligations and prevent your award from converting to a loan.

In addition, if you are pursuing a career in education, check out the Teaching page for resources to help you find a job and manage any student loan debt.

June 15: Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program Summer Term Application Deadline

June 15, 2026 is the final date of acceptance for the 2025-26 Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program application for the summer term. The application may be completed and submitted via the Program Applications & Status Checks area of the ISAC Student Portal.

June 15: Police, Fire, or Correctional Officer Grants Summer Term Application Deadline

June 15, 2026 is the final date summer term applications will be accepted for the 2025-26 Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers and the 2025-26 Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers.

Submit ING Grant Summer Term Applications

There are no priority consideration dates by which ING Grant applications must be submitted each term. Rather, ING Grant applications must be received by ISAC in time for eligibility to be determined and the applicant to then notify the college about their eligibility no later than the last scheduled day of classes for the first term for which benefits have been requested.

Because this is an entitlement program, eligible recipients will receive their awards regardless of annual funding through the state budget process. Illinois public two- and four-year colleges are required to waive any eligible tuition and allowable fees that are not covered by state funding.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Join the First Generation Scholars Network

If you are the first in your family to earn a college degree, join the First Generation Scholars Network to get support and resources from ISAC, your peers, and colleges across the state. You'll find events and programs that provide tools, resources, mentoring, and connections that can help make the transition to college life easier.

Find Leads for Summer Employment/Internships

Students seeking summer jobs or internships are encouraged to follow the "Internship and Summer Jobs" link from the Toolbox area of the ISAC Student Portal.

Holiday Schedules

ISAC staff will be unavailable for these holidays:

  • Friday, June 19 – Juneteenth
  • Friday, July 3 – Independence Day (observed)

Staff will again be available the first business day immediately following each holiday.

For Assistance

Access the Students & Parents area or the ISAC Student Portal anytime, or send us an email at [email protected]. With the exception of days when ISAC staff members are unavailable, we will review and respond to messages during regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (CT).

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through the Students subscription group.

If you have any questions regarding this e-Message, please contact an ISAC Student Engagement Representative by calling toll-free at 800.899.ISAC (4722) or chat with a representative live through the "Live Support-Online" button in the Students & Parents area of our website. You may also reach out to ISAC Student Services by email at [email protected]. We are happy to assist you.

Get information anytime about the college-going process and ISAC programs on ISAC's website and Student Portal, both accessible at isac.org.