NORMAL, Ill. — An Illinois grant program that helps college students pay for school could face a funding shortage at a time when applications for assistance are at record highs.
NORMAL, Ill. — An Illinois grant program that helps college students pay for school could face a funding shortage at a time when applications for assistance are at record highs. Potential state budget cuts could affect the Monetary Assistance Program awards, or MAP grants. The program contributes almost $400 million to thousands of Illinois students each year. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission disburses the grants. Under one legislative proposal, it could be among the state agencies facing a drastic budget cut. Commission spokesman Paul Palian says the effects could be drastic as the demand for need-based programs is very high. State schools such as Illinois State University rely on about $12 million in MAP grants. The money helps about 2,000 students at the downstate university. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
