The °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pledge
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree Tuition-Free
At °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ, we’re committed to making your education affordable—and nothing is more affordable than free. That’s why we created the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pledge. If you’re an Illinois resident with a family income under $50,000, you could earn your bachelor's degree from °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ tuition-free. This is our pledge to you.
Do you qualify for the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pledge?
You’re an Illinois resident who graduated from an Illinois high school or transferred from an Illinois college or university, with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or above (parents listed on the FAFSA® are also Illinois residents)
Your family income & assets are $50,000 or less (effective Fall 2026)
You're a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and are under the age of 24
You're admitted as a new freshman or transfer student and enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program for at least 15 hours during fall or spring semesters
Is your family income more than $50,000?
Don’t worry, °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ can still be an affordable option and one of the best values in higher education.
FOLLOW THESE FOUR EASY STEPS TO APPLY
Apply to °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ
by March 15, 2026, for freshmen and May 1, 2026, for transfer students.
Check your Aid Status
Enroll at °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ
WHAT DOES IT COVER AND NOT COVER?
- Eligible students will get a financial aid package that fully covers tuition through scholarships and grants.
- °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ will take care of any tuition costs not covered by other sources, including federal, state, institutional or private aid like the Federal Pell Grant, the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant and others.
- You may also qualify for additional financial aid (such as loans or work-study opportunities) to help with other costs like food and housing, books and personal expenses.
- The °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pledge does not cover extra costs like housing, campus/course fees, summer classes, study abroad, co-op, internships or other student expenses.
- Students applying to the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) music performance and theatre performance programs are not eligible.
IS THE ROOSEVELT PLEDGE RENEWABLE?
The °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pledge can be renewed for up to four years (eight continuous semesters) or two years (four continuous semesters) for new first-year and eligible transfer students, as long as you meet the following requirements:
- Submit a FAFSA by March 15 each academic year.
- You and your parents must remain Illinois residents.
- Each year of your enrollment, your family's total yearly income and assets must remain at or below $50,000.
- You need to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward your degree.
- You must enroll in at least 15 credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters.
If you have a personal or academic reason that requires summer classes or extending enrollment beyond four years, you may be able to petition for additional funding. However, appeals are only approved in highly exceptional cases.