<p>The following is an excerpt from a press release issued today by Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC); it contains important advice for any Illinois resident hoping to receive a state MAP grant.</p>
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The Illinois State Monetary Award Program (MAP Grant) continues to face funding challenges, said [IVCC financial aid director Patty] Williamson. The MAP Grant is awarded to financially needy Illinois students who attend Illinois colleges. … However, once MAP funds are depleted, the program comes to a halt and no further students are able to receive the grant.</p>
<p>“Since the MAP Grant is awarded based on the FAFSA filing date, it’s impossible to give students an accurate deadline to assure eligibility,” said Williamson. “Last year the program’s funds ran out March 26 and without additional funding, it’s highly likely funds will run out even earlier this year.”</p>
<p>IVCC’s financial aid office is encouraging current and prospective students to file their FAFSA application before Feb. 29. </p>
<p>“It is perfectly acceptable for students to file the FAFSA using estimated tax information. This allows students to lock in their initial filing date for the MAP Grant. Once the 2011 taxes have been submitted, the student must go back and change their filing status to ‘completed tax return’ and, using the link to the IRS, update their tax information,” Williamson explained.
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