Bill > SB3154

This bill establishes the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), to help adults over 25 access online postsecondary education. To be eligible, applicants must be over 25, accepted into a qualified program at a qualified institution (which includes specific criteria like not-for-profit status, low student loan default rates, and participation in federal aid programs), be Illinois residents, have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent them from enrolling, and not already have a bachelor's degree. The grants, which can be up to $5,000 per year and are applied only to tuition and mandatory fees (the standard charges for instruction and required fees), will be paid directly to the educational institution and are intended to cover two semesters or equivalent terms. The ISAC will prioritize awarding grants to students ineligible for other state aid, those with the greatest financial need, first-generation students, and others it deems necessary, with up to 3% of the appropriation allowed for program administration. This program is set to begin with the 2026-2027 academic year.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3154&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104