Short answer: Monetary Award Program (MAP): As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but state money is limited, so file well before the state date.
Illinois state aid deadlines for 2027-28
| Deadline | Applies to | Details |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 | Monetary Award Program (MAP) | For the Monetary Award Program, submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out. |
| June 30, 2028 | Federal deadline | 11:59 p.m. Central time. Corrections due by September 12, 2028. |
State programs
- Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, run by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
What to know
- There's no fixed date. MAP is first come, first served until funds run out, so filing early matters most.
- Colleges can set their own, earlier priority dates. Check each school's financial aid office.
Sources
Checked November 2, 2026 against the official pages above. Deadlines can change, so confirm on the official site before you file.
See FAFSA deadlines in other states (Texas, California, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan), or read how to pay for college with the FAFSA, Pell Grants and state aid.