NIU, Rockford University pledge full support to MAP grant students - Corina Curry, RR Star

Northern Illinois University and Rockford University — the region's two four-year higher education institutions — are letting thousands of students who may or may not get millions of dollars in Monetary Award Program grants this year stay in school despite state budget uncertainties. NIU is footing the bill with the hope that the once the state passes its fiscal 2016 budget, the university will be reimbursed. This spring, the two schools — along with several others statewide but fewer than in the fall — will continue to float their students the money. For NIU in DeKalb, it amounts to $20 million annually for 5,000 students, or about one-fourth of its student population. For Rockford University, it's $2 million. http://www.rrstar.com/news/20160108/niu-rockford-university-pledge-full-support-to-map-grant-students-