Even though funds for the Monterey Assistance Program have dried up applications from needy college students continue to pour in to the state.
Even though funds for the Monterey Assistance Program have dried up applications from needy college students continue to pour in to the state.
“Students should continue to complete the (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because there is still federal aid money out there,” said Andrew Davis, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state agency that distributes the MAP. “We will continue to advocate for Illinois students and are monitoring the budget process closely in the hopes legislators will approve the approximately $425 million for student aid.”
Of the 16, 381 applicants denied the state’s need-based college financial aid program thus far, 64 percent (10,443) selected a community college as their top choice on the FAFSA, with 18 percent (2,950) selecting a public, four-year school and 11 percent (1,801) choosing an in-state private college, according to ISAC.
Davis said ISAC suspended MAP April 19 once all funds were used up but will continue to accept and process applications in the event more funds are secured.
The agency projects the total number of MAP-eligible students will be 409,000 and the agency will deny over half of them – 220,000 applications – due to a lack of funds.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.