Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act
Effective Jan. 1, 2020: A student who is an Illinois resident and who is
not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid shall be eligible for state
financial aid and benefits.
This includes, but is not limited to:
• a transgender student who is disqualified for failure to register
for selective service, and
• a non-citizen student who has not obtained lawful permanent
residence.
These students will be eligible to “apply or receive consideration for any
student aid or benefit funded or administered by the State, any State
agency, or any public institution of higher learning, including, but not
limited to, scholarships, grants, awards, stipends, room and board
assistance, tuition waivers, or other financial or in-kind assistance…”
Criteria:
• Resided with his/her parent or guardian while attending
an Illinois public or private high school
• Graduated from a public or private high school or received
the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois
• Attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years as of the date
he/she graduated from high school or received the equivalent
of a high school diploma
• Provides the institution with an affidavit stating that he/she will
file an application to become a permanent resident of the United
States at the earliest opportunity he/she is eligible to do so
• Has not established a residence outside of Illinois
ISAC programs offered MAP, MTI, SETTW.
Instead of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA), these students will complete the RISE Act application.
For details and to apply, go to ISAC.org.
Financial Aid Office
Building S, Room S107
(708) 974-5726
