Financial Aid and Tuition Eligibility Update

On July 24, 2026, a Illinois federal court ruling affected Illinois laws related to state financial aid eligibility and tuition rates for undocumented students attending public colleges and universities. As a result, Illinois institutions are required to implement changes related to financial aid eligibility and tuition classification. 

No. 

The changes primarily impact undocumented students who may have previously qualified for certain state-funded financial aid programs or in-state tuition rates.  

If additional information is needed to review your student record, the College will contact you directly. 

The College is reviewing student records to ensure tuition classifications and financial aid eligibility are consistent with current legal requirements. 

Some students may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to help complete this review. 

If you receive a request from the College, please follow the instructions provided and submit any requested information by the stated deadline. 

The RISE Act is an Illinois law that allowed eligible undocumented students to apply for certain state-funded financial aid programs through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid rather than the FAFSA. 

Under the court ruling, undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive MAP grants and certain other state-funded financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year.  

Students with questions about a specific award should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance. 

No. 

The ruling does not require students to repay grants or scholarships received through ISAC in previous academic years.  

As a result of the ruling, some students may experience changes to tuition. 

The College is currently finalizing documentation requirements and reviewing procedures. 

Students who need to submit documentation will receive specific instructions regarding acceptable documentation, secure submission methods, and applicable deadlines. 

Students should only submit documentation through College-approved secure processes.

Please do not send sensitive personal information through email.

• Social Security Number Update Form

Failure to provide requested information may affect the College's ability to verify eligibility for certain tuition classifications or services. 

Any applicable deadlines and consequences will be communicated directly to affected students. 

College staff are available to help students explore available options, including: 

• Payment plans 

• Advising support 

• Enrollment counseling 

• Community resources 

Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate office as soon as possible if they have concerns. 

If you are nearing completion of your program and have questions about how these changes may affect your ability to continue enrollment, please contact Advising Services or InterCultural Student Initiatives. 

The College will work with students individually to discuss available options. 

Because state guidance and legal developments may continue to evolve, students should rely on official College of DuPage communications and this webpage for the latest information. 

If significant changes occur, the College will communicate them directly to affected students.