Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
Grants are gift aid that is typically based on financial need. Apply for federal and state grants.
Gift aid is funds awarded to the student that do not have to be repaid, unless the student fails to meet certain criteria, such as a service requirement that is specified as a condition of the gift aid or not completing the period for which the aid was awarded. Gift aid can include awards with titles such as grants, scholarships, remissions, awards, waivers, etc. Gift aid can be awarded based upon many factors, including (but not limited to) financial need, academic excellence, athletic, musical, and/or theatrical talent, affiliation with various groups, and/or career aspirations.
The Pell Grant is the largest federal need-based grant program that can be used to pay for educational related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Grant amounts are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) as determined by completing the FAFSA.
If you receive a Federal Pell Grant, the Scheduled Award amount is based on your enrollment intensity, reflecting the percentage of full-time enrollment (12 hours). Any changes to your enrollment can affect the grant amount.
Students may be eligible to receive up to 150% of their Scheduled Pell Grant Award for an award year. The Year-Round Federal Pell Grant allows eligible students to receive a Pell Grant for the Summer term. This includes students who were paid a full Scheduled Award for full time during both the Fall and Spring semesters.
The Federal Pell Grant has a lifetime eligibility limit. A student may receive Pell Grants up to a maximum of 12 semesters (600%), or the calculated equivalent. Harper College posts an alert in your requirements on MyHarper if you are close to this limit.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a federal need-based grant with limited funding and can be used to pay for educational related expenses such as tuition, fees, books and supplies. This award is available to students with a zero or less Student Aid Index (SAI) and a minimum half time enrollment of six credit hours.
The FSEOG maximum award at Harper College is $600 per year.
The State of IL MAP Grant is a need-based grant program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and is available for Illinois residents who qualify.
State of IL MAP Grant pay a portion of tuition and mandatory fees. Apply early as
funding is limited. State of IL MAP Grant are not available during the Summer term.
The maximum State of IL MAP Grant award is $4,464 per year based on full time enrollment
of 15 credit hours per semester.
The State of IL MAP Grant awards decrease when enrollment in the semester is less
than 15 credit hours. (minimum 3 hours required)
The State of IL MAP Grant is also available for eligible students enrolled at Harper College in an eligible short-term “Occupational or Career and Technical Certificate” program less than 16 credit hours.
You will be asked to submit proof of Illinois residency if you are awarded this grant.
Illinois Residency for 2026-27
You may be eligible for a State of Illinois MAP grant.
Because you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are also considered for financial aid from the State of Illinois. You may qualify for a State of Illinois MAP grant—financial aid from the State of Illinois that is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. If you are eligible:
You may also qualify for help with dependent care expenses and food costs.
If a State of IL MAP Grant is not included in your award notification, you are not eligible for the grant at Harper College.
Learn about the State of IL MAP Grant, program regulations and the 2026–27 Monetary Award Program (MAP) Rights & Responsibilities.
Suspension of the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant Announcement
ISAC is suspending the announcement of 2026–27 the IL Monetary Award Program (MAP) for applicants whose initial 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received and processed by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), is received and processed by ISAC, after Thursday, April 23, 2026.