Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Beginning in January 2020, the state of Illinois created a new pathway for students who are undocumented and students who are transgender to apply for financial aid for college or career school from the state of Illinois. Students can now complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to see if they are eligible for state grants that have historically been worth up to $5,340.

resources for the alternative application

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid User Guide

Eligibility Requirements for undocumented students

Students are eligible to apply for financial aid with the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid if they are undocumented and:

• lived with their parent or guardian while attending an Illinois public or private high school;
• graduated (or will graduate) 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 by the time (as of the date) the individual graduated (or graduates) from high school or received (or receives) the equivalent of a high school diploma;
• the individual provides an affidavit (available within the application) stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so; and
• the individual has not established a residence outside of Illinois.