Grant Program for Exonerees and Their Dependents
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Tuition and mandatory fees at approved Illinois colleges, plus high school equivalency costs, for people exonerated in Illinois and their designated dependents.
- How much
- tuition and mandatory fees (fall and spring), plus high school equivalency test costs
- Who qualifies
- Exonerated person (gubernatorial pardon on grounds of innocence or circuit-court certificate of innocence) or their designated dependent
- Illinois resident; enrolled in an eligible program at a MAP-approved college, or working toward an Illinois high school equivalency certificate; satisfactory academic progress; not incarcerated; not in default.
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school, trade school students
- When to apply
- Open now Annual; first-come, first-served until funds run out. Apply as soon as the new year's application is posted (2026-27 posted by July 2026).
- How to apply
- Submit a new application each year through the ISAC Student Portal as soon as it becomes available, listing the MAP-approved college you will most likely attend
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (isac.org)
The details
For people pardoned by the Governor on grounds of innocence or holding a certificate of innocence from an Illinois circuit court, and dependents they designate to use unused benefits. Pays tuition and mandatory fees for fall and spring (no summer), undergraduate or graduate, up to the equivalent of four years of full-time study (48 eligibility units). Also reimburses GED/HiSET test costs (plus one retest per module) and an official score transcript. No financial need required. First-come, first-served while funds last.
More money from Illinois
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grantup to $8,400 per year (tuition and mandatory fees only)
- AIM HIGH Grant Programvaries by university
- Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Programvaries; tuition and mandatory fees only
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.