By Bill McMorris   Illinois Statehouse News

CHICAGO — More than 11,000 prospective college students have been denied financial aid through the state's Monetary Assistance Program since the agency overseeing the grants halted funding two weeks ago.

But that's a small number compared to what is to come.

"We expect as time goes by that that number will increase and will be even higher as far as suspended applicants," said Paul Palian, spokesman for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

The program will issue about 220,000 rejection letters this year — 100,000 more than in 2009. Palian said the program just did not have the money to accept students beyond April 19 — the earliest date the program has ever had to cut off acceptance.

The program's $400 million budget is roughly equal to its 2009 budget, but demand for MAP grants skyrocketed this year, with the application pool increasing by 30 percent over last year. The rejection rate, on the other hand, is expected to nearly double if more funds are not approved for the program. 

Palian said community college students have been hit hardest by the suspension since 63 percent of those denied since April 19 plan on attending the two-year colleges next fall.

The news came as no surprise to Don Sevener, spokesman for the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The state agency campaigned for increased MAP funding during last year's budget session.

"I think it's pretty much a given that when you don't increase the funding for the program and you have significant increases in number of applications, just doing the math will let you understand that you are going to run out of money sooner than in the past," he said.

The MAP program provides students attending colleges in Illinois with up to $5,000 in financial assistance, though the average award is about $2,500. The mean household income for recipients is about $23,000, while 77 percent have household incomes of $40,000 or less.

Last year,  Gov. Pat Quinn rejected a General Assembly proposal to cut the MAP budget by $200 million. During the legislature's fall veto session, Quinn worked with lawmakers to approve full funding for the eligible 130,000 students, but the state could come up with money for only one semester. 

However, Palian said students should not be discouraged by the lack of state funds. Those in need can still apply for federal tuition assistance. Students can visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information.