MAP program faces increased need, higher costs, state budget cuts - Christine Des Garennes, News-Gazette

This year about half of the college-bound students who apply and qualify — among the poorest in the state — will not receive any grants. And for many of those who will receive awards from the Illinois Monetary Assistance Program, or MAP, the amount will barely cover half of the students' tuition. The program, which dates back to the late-1960s and is one of the largest state aid programs for college students in the country, faces formidable challenges: increased need among students, a state budget in dire straits and college tuition rates that have risen above inflation. http://www.news-gazette.com/news/education/2013-01-20/map-program-faces-increased-need-higher-costs-state-budget-cuts.html