Illinois RISE ACT
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented
students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply for state financial
aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a pathway for
these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.
Find More Information Here.
Who can benefit from the RISE ACT?
Undocumented students may be eligible to apply for ISAC’s programs 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 3 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.