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.
Eligible Elmhurst students may receive grants from the University, from the state, and/or from the federal programs. To apply for a grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.
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 with a valid FAFSA that demonstrate significant financial need. Students must be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree program to qualify. Pell amounts are based on SAI and enrollment intensity. Visit studentaid.gov for more information about Pell Grants.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal FSEOG funds are awarded to students with a valid FAFSA and the greatest financial need. Visit studentaid.gov for more information about FSEOG.
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 colleges. Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the program provides grants of up to $8,064 per year to eligible recipients. Students are considered for eligibility by submitting the FAFSA each year. Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible each year. MAP grant amounts may be prorated based on the student’s enrollment.
After you submit the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you may also be considered for financial aid from the State of Illinois. Please review the following required information about the Monetary Award Program (MAP).
You may be eligible for a State of Illinois MAP grant.
Because you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, you are also considered for financial aid from the State of Illinois. You may qualify for a State of Illinois MAP grant—financial aid from the State of Illinois that is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. If you are eligible:
- Your financial aid offer from the school includes an estimated amount listed as IL MAP (estimated).
- The amount listed is an estimate. The final amount may change depending on how much funding the state provides this year, as well as the number of hours you’re enrolled and your other sources of aid.
- MAP grant awards may be received for up to about 4½ years of full-time college.
- You can learn more about the State of Illinois MAP grant and check how many credit hours you have used on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website: isac.org/mapgrant
You may also qualify for help with dependent care expenses and food costs.
- Ask your financial aid office if you would benefit from the federal dependent care allowance.
- Call the Illinois Hunger Coalition Hotline at 800.359.2163 or visit the website at ilhunger.org for information about food assistance.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 800.843.6154 or visit the website dhs.state.il.us for information about the Child Care Assistance Program and/or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.