The Retaining Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for ISAC gift assistance programs. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a way for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.

Undocumented students may be eligible to apply for the MAP grant if they meet all of these criteria, which are based on Illinois statute regarding in-state tuition eligibility: 

• the individual resided with his or her parent or guardian while attending an Illinois public or private high school,
• the individual graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois,
• the individual attended school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date the individual graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma,
• the individual provides an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so and 
• the individual has not established a residence outside of Illinois. 

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. 

If you are unable to submit your application, please contact ISAC by phone at 800-899-ISAC (4722) or by email at isac.studentservices@illinois.gov.