Grants

Reduce your college costs with grant funding. Grants are gift awards that do not need to be repaid. Most grants are awarded based on financial need.

Elmhurst students receive grants from the University itself and from the state and federal governments. To apply for a grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FILE THE FAFSA

Elmhurst University Grants

Elmhurst grants range in value from $1,000 to $24,000 per year. You must be a full-time, degree-seeking student to receive an Elmhurst University grant. In most years, the University awards grant aid to more than 1,600 students.

Federal Grants

Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible students who demonstrate significant financial need. These grants range in value from $767 to $7,395 for the 2023-24 year. Students must be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program to qualify.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

  • Federal FSEOG funds are typically awarded to students with the greatest financial need. Awards range in value from $100 to $4,000 a year.

State of Illinois Grants

Monetary Award Program (MAP)

Through the Monetary Award Program (MAP), the State of Illinois provides need-based grants to qualified Illinois residents attending approved Illinois residents attending approved Illinois colleges. Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the program provides grants of up to $7,200 per year to eligible recipients. Eligibility is considered by submitting the FAFSA each year. Funding is allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible each year.

By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you have been considered for the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. If you were determined to meet the eligibility criteria for the MAP grant, an award is included on your award letter. This award may be an estimate made by the financial aid office and, if so, is identified as a “State of IL MAP Grant (Est).” MAP grants are limited based on the number of applicants and funding levels appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. Please be aware that in light of state funding constraints, reductions to estimated or actual MAP grants are possible.

Eligibility for a MAP grant is tracked by the equivalent number of semester credit hours of MAP benefits paid on your behalf. This is called MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCH). Payment for each term is being made according to the equivalent number of credit hours eligible for MAP payment, with a minimum of three and a maximum of 15 MAP Paid Credit Hours.

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. To remain eligible, a student must not exceed 135 semester credit hours of MAP benefits paid.  For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs through https://studentportal.isac.org/MPCH.

If a State of IL MAP Grant (Est) is not included in your award letter, it is possible that you are not eligible for the grant at Elmhurst University.

Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial aid can apply for MAP through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. The data from the application will be used to determine a student’s MAP eligibility. Eligible students must also meet the MAP program’s eligibility requirements. Any students meeting the RISE Act criteria are encouraged to complete this application.

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