As undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, many individuals have questions about how they can pay to attend the University of Illinois. The RISE Act allows undocumented students to receive state and university financial aid. Scholarship opportunities may be available through specific departments and registered student organizations. The Undocumented Student Support Services works with campus units to identify ways to provide scholarship opportunities that are accessible for undocumented students. Additionally, students with work permits can apply for student employment opportunities to help offset the costs of college. Below are two additional financial assistance opportunities.
The Helping Others’ Personal Excellence (HOPE) Scholarship is a student-initiated fee that provides funds for students who demonstrate financial need yet do not otherwise qualify for financial aid. Illinois Student Council and the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students’ Education (I-CAUSE) created and implemented this scholarship in 2020. This scholarship fund—a commitment by students, for students—is intended to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with attaining higher education. Applications are due in spring for the next fall/spring academic year.
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) provides a way for qualified students to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state’s largest need-based grant program for low-income college students. For eligible students, the Alternative Application is also part of the application process for the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program.