EIU Office of Financial Aid

Resources for Undocumented Students

Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act

On June 21, 2019, the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act was signed into law, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2020.

As a result, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid will be available to students on ISAC’s website each year after Oct. 1. This application will provide a pathway to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grants for qualifying undocumented students and for transgender students who are not eligible for federal financial aid because they did not register for selective service beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year. Most Illinois students will still file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to simultaneously apply for federal, state and institutional aid, including MAP grants. In order to receive a MAP grant, all students, whether completing the FAFSA or the Alternative Application, must still meet the eligibility criteria of the MAP program itself.

More information about the RISE Act and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is available on the ISAC website.

ICIRR – Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

• Guide to Colleges in Illinois
• https://www.icirr.org/education-initiatives

Illinois Dream Fund

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ILDREAMFund/
• The Fall 2021 Illinois Dream Fund Application is now live!: https://www.ildreamfund.org/our-vision
• The ILDF Scholarship is open to undocumented immigrants (DACA/Non-DACA) across Illinois, who qualify under the Illinois Dream Act. Class of 2021 - incoming freshman, current students enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited vocational, trade school, community college, public or private university, this fall 2021. Open to graduate and professional track degrees as well.
• NO LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION OR TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED. Given the current pandemic and its direct impact on the immigrant community, we seek to dismantle any barriers scholars may have in navigating securing funding to support their future career endeavors. At this time, we want to give applicants the opportunity to share their journey and what degree completion means to them, their family and the immigrant community.
• All applicants will be contacted via email. For any additional questions: info@ildreamfund.org
• DEADLINE, APRIL 30, 2021 AT 11:59 P.M.