The Illinois Promise
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is committed to providing access to quality education for high achieving students from all backgrounds. Current economic circumstances, however, threaten the affordability of higher education, particularly for students from the lowest income levels. With the shift of primary funding for state universities from state support to tuition, the need to maintain access to higher education is particularly pressing. The Illinois Promise began in Fall 2005 to ensure the affordability of higher education for students from the lowest income levels. The Illinois Promise assures eligible recipients sufficient grant and scholarship funds in combination with a minimal employment expectation to cover their estimated cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and books and supplies.
2008-2009 Eligibility Criteria
The Illinois Promise student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Parent(s) and student must be Illinois residents.
- Admitted as a new freshman or new transfer student.
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must equal $0.
- Family income must be at or below the federal poverty level.
- Enrolled at least 12 hours during fall or spring semesters.
- Enrolled at least 6 hours during the summer semester to receive summer funding.
The federal poverty level is determined on an annual basis, and adjusted for the size of the family unit.
Application Process
To be considered for the Illinois Promise, students must submit the FAFSA by March 15 prior to each academic year. There is no separate Illinois Promise application form; however, once the FAFSA information is received at the University, additional documents will be requested and required to confirm the eligibility criteria.
Cost of Attendance and Assistance
The Illinois Promise will fund the estimated cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and books and supplies, through grants and scholarships and by working approximately 10-12 hours a week. Since students cannot begin employment until they arrive on campus, they are encouraged to bring sufficient funds to buy books, supplies, and any other items necessary to start the semester. Other expenses are not included in The Illinois Promise, nor are the costs of special programs such as aviation flight fees, intercampus enrollment and study abroad. See our cost section for more information on specific costs.
The Illinois Promise funding will be provided to eligible students for four years of attendance at Illinois if criteria continue to be met. Annual renewal of the FAFSA is required and students must remain in good academic standing (i.e., eligible to continue studies at the University of Illinois). As with the tuition guarantee, the four years of eligibility for The Illinois Promise begins when a student enrolls at the University and runs continuously.
To Contribute to The Illinois Promise
University of Illinois Foundation
Contributors to The Illinois Promise
Grand Victoria Foundation Supports Illinois Promise with $200,000 Grant
Useful Links
Office of Admissions and Records
Chancellor Herman's Dec. 2004 Illinois Promise news conference
Contact Information
Office of Student Financial Aid
620 E. John St .
Champaign, IL 61820
finaid@uiuc.edu
217-333-0100
