Grants
Please review the process to apply for federal and state grants.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant
This grant is available to eligible undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible program at ECC, taking at least one credit hour. Awards range from $767 to $7,395 for 2024-2025 and are based on enrollment status and the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- This fund is awarded to Pell-eligible students only.
- Students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and those with low EFCs are given priority.
- Actual award amounts are determined yearly and are based on federal allocation.
- Students receive awards during the fall and spring terms but not during the summer semester.
- Students enrolled full-time and less than full-time are eligible to receive this award.
Federal Veterans Education Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® Education and Training page provides detailed information about education benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers these benefits. To contact a veterans benefits counselor, please call 888-442-4551.
Military Tuition Assistance (T.A.)
Elgin Community College accepts T.A. from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
Application Process
Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures. To start, visit your local installation education center or explore a virtual education center online. You can also click on the links for each service branch below:
Before your course enrollment, you may be required to develop an education plan or complete a TA orientation. Your service’s education center must approve your military tuition assistance before you enroll in a course.
Using T.A. at ECC
Elgin Community College enrolls eligible Service members using Tuition Assistance (TA) after receiving approval from their respective military branch. To stay enrolled, submit a TA waiver to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office before or when course payment is due. This waiver allows the service member to remain enrolled without needing alternate payment. It is essential to submit the waiver in a timely manner to avoid any disruption in enrollment.
State Grants
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)
MAP is a need-based grant program by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), available to eligible Illinois residents.
MAP grants pay a portion of tuition and mandatory fees. You should apply early as funding is limited.
- Funding does not apply to the summer semester.
- Overall maximum of 135 MAP paid credit hours.
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The 2024-2025 Alternative Application for state aid only is available. It is for qualifying undocumented students who are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Resources:
- RISE Act and Alternative Application (ISAC)
- Apply for aid with the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
This application for Illinois Financial Aid is not currently compatible with mobile devices.
Illinois National Guard Program (ING)
Enlisted personnel and company-grade Illinois National Guard officers receive tuition and eligible fee coverage at Illinois public colleges and universities.
- Students must be on active duty and have served at least one year in the Illinois National Guard.
- Funding covers up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment and may also be used for approved noncredit courses or programs.
- This grant can be used for either undergraduate or graduate study.
- There is no minimum enrollment requirement.
- The student must apply for this grant online through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) each year.
- The grant is measured in eligibility units. A student will receive 120 eligibility units to use throughout their education while enlisted in the Illinois National Guard. Students who complete 10 years or more of active duty may receive up to 180 units.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Illinois Veterans Grant Program (IVG)
This Illinois grant is available to qualified veterans who entered active duty from Illinois. They must return within six months of receiving an honorable discharge.
- Veterans must have served at least one year of active duty.
- Funding applies to tuition and some limited fees.
- Students may receive IVG funds for up to five (5) years of full-time attendance.
- Students must submit a complete DD 214 form to determine eligibility.
- Students may mail the application and DD214 Member 4 copy. The application can be found through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) or apply online at ISAC Student Portal.
- The grant can be used at Illinois public colleges and universities.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- This grant can be used for credit and non-credit classes.
Financial Aid & Scholarships, Building B, Room B156, applications are available.
Additional Grants
Recovery Support Specialist Program
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Mental Health may cover tuition, fees, books, and services. Additional wraparound services like childcare and transportation may also be provided.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Elgin Community College is partnering with Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment to offer WIOA job skills training services. For qualified adults in more than 35 field programs, free career training is available.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).