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Grants are available from the government and from colleges. By submitting the FAFSA, you will eligible for numerous grants. They are usually based on need. They do not need to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Academic Competitive Grant
Illinois MAP Grants
Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Program
Grants from colleges

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are based on need only. They do not have to be repaid. Eligible students receive a specified amount each year. In 2007-08, the maximum Pell Grant is $4,310.

To apply for a Pell Grant you must submit the FAFSA. Most Pell awards go to students with family incomes below $20,000. However, you may be awarded a Pell Grant if your family income is less than $50,000.

The college you choose to attend will decide how you get the Pell Grant—whether it is applied to tuition or given to you in a check to pay other expenses.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

By submitting the FAFSA, you’ll be considered for the FSEOG. This grant is available to undergraduate students with the greatest need. First priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year.

FSEOG awards come through the college, but not all schools have FSEOG money. Those that do may run out of funds. So it is important to submit your FAFSA early.

To find out if the colleges where you are applying have FSEOG grant money, ask the college financial aid offices.

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Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

ACG grants are available to students only during their first and second years of college. Students become eligible after they submit their FAFSA. Up to $750 is obtainable for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. Students must be full-time, eligible for a federal Pell Grant and have successfully completed a rigorous high school program. Second-year students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

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Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grants

The MAP grant is available to Illinois residents who will attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA.

MAP grants can be applied only to tuition and fees.

The number of MAP grants is limited. This means that there may not always be money available, so it is important to file your FAFSA early.

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Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Program

The IIA Program provides grants of up to $500 to Illinois residents with zero EFC will to attend an approved Illinois college. If the information you provide on the FAFSA results in a calculated zero expected family contribution, you may be awarded an IIA grant.

The number of IIA grants is limited. This means that there may not always be money available, so it is important to file your FAFSA early.

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Grants from Colleges

Colleges provide grants based on various criteria. Contact the college’s financial aid office to find out more about the grants offered by a college.

How to find out more