Grants
Reduce your college costs with grant funding. Grants are gift awards that do not need to be repaid. Most grants are awarded based on financial need.
Eligible Elmhurst students may receive grants from the University, from the state, and/or from the federal programs. To apply for a grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.
Elmhurst University Grants
Elmhurst grants range in value from $1,000 to $24,000 per year. You must be a full-time, degree-seeking student to receive an Elmhurst University grant. In most years, the University awards grant aid to more than 1,600 students.
Federal Grants
Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible students with a valid FAFSA that demonstrate significant financial need. Students must be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program to qualify. Pell amounts are based on SAI and enrollment intensity. Visit studentaid.gov for more information about Pell Grants.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal FSEOG funds are awarded to students with a valid FAFSA and the greatest financial need. Visit studentaid.gov for more information about FSEOG.
State of Illinois Grants
Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Through the Monetary Award Program (MAP), the State of Illinois provides need-based grants to qualified Illinois residents attending approved Illinois residents attending approved Illinois colleges. Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the program provides grants of up to $8,400 per year to eligible recipients. Eligibility is considered by submitting the FAFSA each year. Funding is allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible each year. MAP grant amounts may be prorated based on the student’s enrollment.
- For more information, see the ISAC’s MAP pages
By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you are considered for the State of Illinois (IL) Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. All MAP-approved institutions are required by the State of Illinois to announce MAP Grant awards to students who are enrolled or intending to enroll at their institution. An award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.
The MAP Grant award amount is an estimate made by the financial aid office and is identified as a “State of IL MAP Grant (Est)”. Please be aware that the number of available MAP Grants is limited by funding levels approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor, and reductions to estimated or actual MAP Grants are possible.
There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. Usage is tracked by the number of credit hours for which you’ve received MAP benefits and is referred to as MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCHs). The maximum number of MPCHs that can be received is 135, which is equivalent to approximately four and a half years of full-time enrollment. For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs, as well as other student resources, through the ISAC Student Portal at studentportal.isac.org.
Eligibility for the need-based MAP Grant award may indicate that you are eligible for assistance with expenses such as food, housing, or child care for dependent children. If you have dependent care expenses, ask the financial aid office about the federal dependent care allowance. For eligibility and application information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Child Care Assistance Program, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800-843-6154 or www.dhs.state.il.us. Contact the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hunger Hotline at 800-359- 2163 or www.ilhunger.org.
Eligible students unable to complete the FAFSA can choose to apply for Illinois state financial aid. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has created an Illinois-specific online application for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, called the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. The data from the application will be used to determine a student’s MAP eligibility. Any students meeting the RISE Act criteria are encouraged to complete this application. Eligible students must also meet the MAP program’s eligibility requirements.