One reason: More eligible students enrolled  By Logan Bricker February 13, 2025 College students who receive Monetary Awards Program grants are seeing an 8% cut in their spring semester assistance after a higher-than-expected number of eligible students enrolled in classes this school year. The cuts represent a $12 to $336, or 8%, reduction compared to students' previously estimated MAP grants, according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which administers the grant program. Lynne Baker, an ISAC spokeswoman said officials – utilizing past years' enrollment numbers – were expecting about 140,000 students to split the approximately $711 million pot for the 2024-25 school year. However, more applicants who were promised grants enrolled in classes. That forced ISAC to reallocate money to ensure everyone got most of the estimated amount. "We have to base our estimates on how many students we think are actually going to go to school," said Baker. "Every year there's a good-sized percentage that doesn't go to school. This is happening in the spring before they've even accepted them. If we cut [applications] off in May based on that, then you'd have a whole bunch of students on a waiting list who would more than likely be able to get that money." Universities around Illinois are reacting in various ways to this change, with most having the recipients absorb the financial blow. Others, including Blackburn College in Carlinville, have chosen to take the hit themselves, offering their 178 MAP recipients relief from the $58,800 total proration, according to Justin Norwood, vice president of inclusive enrollment. One MAP recipient and student at Black Hawk Community College, Christian Woods, talked about what even a small cut means to his situation. "When I got the email about my reduction, I was instructed it was a loss towards tuition, and the amount lost I had to make up out of my financial aid package," said Woods. "I'm currently on SNAP and visit food pantries to sustain food in my household. My mother also helps out as much as she can, and I appreciate her for that. It did take some money out of my pocket when coming to apply to tuition, but the most stress I'm under right now is wondering if I'm going to get my student loans next year." MAP grants are one of the most widely accessible funding opportunities for low-income students in Illinois. Anyone can apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For those not eligible for federal aid, they can apply through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Students' estimated grants are calculated based on their family's financial situation and the cost of attendance at the institution they plan to attend. However, like forecasting weather, attempting to find a conclusive amount of what the next year's students will need is a prediction. ISAC uses past years' student enrollment statistics to create an estimate. One of the primary factors contributing to the uncertainty is determining how many eligible students actually end up attending college. Additionally, the gradual steps of getting funding to students start the previous fiscal year when they fill out their FAFSA and end in late fall when funds are distributed through ISAC from the state comptroller. While the unexpected surge in enrollment is a major factor, ISAC believes there are more areas at play. According to Baker, some of these contributing circumstances include a continued return of students after a decrease during COVID, and increased outreach efforts to address the low filing rates early this year, after a rocky federal rollout of the revised FAFSA. These changes in federal financial aid policy also made more students eligible for larger amounts of federal and state aid, improving college affordability. ISAC provides schools with estimates of eligible students' MAP grants in the spring so schools can include the information in their financial aid offer letters to students. Estimated award amounts can change based on the final appropriate for MAP from the General Assembly, determined when the budget is finalized in May or June. While cuts to estimates are a realistic concern, Baker says the rate of low-income MAP eligible students who enrolled in school and used their MAP award increased by nearly 10% this fall compared to last year. It's the largest year-over-year increase that ISAC has seen in more than two decades. She recommends students worried about financial issues should contact their university's financial aid office or visit the ISAC website directly. More information can be found at www.isac.org. # # # # # The above news article is reprinted from the Illinois Times at:
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