Urgent MAP Grant Update

Due to a statewide change in Illinois financial aid funding, you must submit your FAFSA or Alternative Application as soon as possible by April 23, 2026.

On Monday, April 20, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) announced a statewide pause on MAP grant award notifications for students who apply after April 23, 2026.

This is urgent. If you do not submit your FAFSA or Alternative Application by this date, you may miss out on MAP grant funding, which many students rely on to afford college.

What are my next steps?

  • Complete your 26-27 FAFSA or Alternative Application as soon as possible before April 23. Dominican's code is 001750.
  • 26-27 FAFSA applications submitted after April 23 will be placed on a waiting list, with no guarantee of receiving MAP funding.
  • If additional funds become available, they will be awarded in the order they were received, so the sooner you submit, the better.

Why does this matter?

MAP is one of the largest sources of financial aid in Illinois. Missing this deadline could mean less financial support and higher costs for your family. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for federal Pell Grants can still receive that funding for fall.

Why is the MAP grant being suspended?

This is a state decision affecting all Illinois students. A significant increase in the number of enrolled students at MAP-approved institutions resulted in higher claim rates, which has had an unexpected impact on funding and prompted the suspension.  

We’re here to help

If you’re unsure where to start or need help, we will walk you through it step by step. Please reach out to Stars Connect at fafsa@dom.edu or (708) 524-6809 for assistance. As new information becomes available, we will share it here and through email.