Recent developments in the federal court case United States v. Illinois will impact some forms of state-funded financial assistance for non-US citizens, including the MAP Grant and other Illinois Student Assistance Commission financial aid. As of July 2026, the court ruled that Illinois may no longer provide those funds for undocumented students for the 2026–2027 school year. 

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state agency that administers MAP and other state financial aid programs, is implementing the ruling. MAP is a need-based grant that helps eligible Illinois students pay tuition and mandatory fees at participating colleges and universities. 

 If you are concerned about how this ruling may affect your educational journey at Dominican, please know that you do not have to navigate this alone. We are here to support you. We will update this page with information and resources as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the RISE Act?

    The RISE Act is a state law that has allowed ISAC to provide state financial aid to undocumented students who were eligible for in-state tuition. Students eligible for state financial aid under the RISE Act apply using the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application). 

  • What happened with the RISE Act?

     On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled (pdf opens in a new window) that the current version of the RISE Act, as applied to undocumented students, is unlawful. The court also prohibited ISAC from providing state financial assistance to undocumented students under the current version of the RISE Act during the 2026–2027 school year.

  • Does this mean I will lose my MAP grant or other ISAC financial aid for the 2026–2027 school year?

    Unfortunately, yes, if you are an undocumented student who completed the Alternative Application for the 2026–2027 school year. 

    Because of the court's ruling, ISAC is not allowed to pay MAP grants or other state financial aid to undocumented students under the current version of the RISE Act (by filing the Alternative Application instead of the FAFSA) for the 2026–2027 school year.  

    We understand that this decision creates significant uncertainty and financial challenges for our undocumented students. At Dominican, our commitment to the dignity of every person and to expanding educational opportunity remains unwavering. While we continue to evaluate the implications of this ruling, university leaders are actively collaborating with our higher education partners to better understand available resources and explore ways to support students who will be affected.

  • Do I have to repay the MAP grant or other ISAC financial aid I received in previous academic years?

    No, this ruling does not require that you repay MAP Grants or scholarships you received from ISAC in previous academic years.

  • What should I do now? 

    Impacted students, please watch your email for updates. We will continue to share information with you as we learn more and identify additional resources. If you have specific questions or need further guidance, we encourage you to reach out to Stars Connect directly by email or by phone at (708) 524-6809. 

Find Community Support

As a Catholic, Sinsinawa Dominican institution, Dominican's commitment to the dignity of every person and to expanding educational opportunity remains unwavering. If you would like to ask questions or reflect, the Center for Cultural Liberation (CCL) offers a space to be in community with others. Please reach out for more information about available support and resources for immigrant students.  

Learn more

For more information,
please contact:

Stars Connect
starsconnect@dom.edu
(708) 524-6809
Lewis Hall 115