We’ll cover tuition and fees for up to four years for all qualified in-state students. That’s our mission as a land-grant institution. That’s Illinois Commitment.
Is your family income more than $75,000? See more options.
How do you qualify?
- You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- You’re an Illinois resident (parents listed on the FAFSA are also Illinois residents)
- Your family income is $75,000 or less (effective fall 2025)
- Your family’s assets are $75,000 or less (effective fall 2025)
- You’re under the age of 24
- You’re admitted as a new freshman or transfer student
- You attended and graduated from an Illinois high school
- You must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program for at least 12 hours during fall or spring semesters
You will be held to the current family income amount of $67,100 if entering the university before fall 2025.
Four simple steps to free tuition.
*You may also qualify for an application fee waiver. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for details.
**You must submit the FAFSA prior to March 15 to be considered for Illinois Commitment.
Eligible students will receive a financial aid package that provides scholarship and grant funding to cover the full cost of tuition and campus fees not covered by other federal, state, institutional and private awards including the Federal Pell Grant and the State of Illinois MAP Grant. You will be considered for additional financial aid (grants, scholarships, loan and employment) to cover other educational expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, and personal/miscellaneous expenses.
Illinois Commitment does not cover course fees, summer classes, winter classes, intercampus enrollment, concurrent enrollment, study abroad, co-op, internship or other student expenses.
Is Illinois Commitment renewable?
Illinois Commitment is renewable for a total of four (4) years, (eight (8) semesters of continuous enrollment), for new freshman students and for up to three (3) years, (six (6) semesters of continuous enrollment), for new transfer students as long as you continue to meet the following renewal criteria.
- You must submit a FAFSA by March 15 (April 15 for the 2024-2025 Academic Year) prior to each academic year.
- You and your parent(s) must continue to be Illinois residents.
- Your total family income must be $82,500 or less (effective fall 2025).
- Your total family assets must be $75,000 or less (effective fall 2025).
- You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward your degree.
- You must be enrolled in at least 12 hours during fall or spring semesters.
Students with an extenuating personal situation or academic reason that requires enrollment in summer classes or enrollment beyond 4 years (for freshmen) and 3 years (for transfers) may petition for funding. Be aware that appeals are only approved in highly exceptional situations. Below are the deadlines for submitting an appeal:
2024-2025 Academic year:
- Fall 2024 – October 11, 2024
- Spring 2025 – March 14, 2025
2025-2026 Academic year:
- Fall 2025 – October 10, 2025
- Spring 2026 – March 13, 2026
The Appeal Form for a 2024-2025 Illinois Commitment Appeal may be found here: 2024-2025 Scholarship Appeal
The Appeal Form for a 2025-2026 Illinois Commitment Appeal may be found here: 2025-2026 Scholarship Appeal
Questions?
We’re here to help. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.