Workforce Pell Grant programs in Illinois
The new Workforce Pell Grant pays for short, 8–15 week job training — up to $4,310 a year, with nothing to repay. Here's what it can cover in Illinois, and how to find out if you qualify.
Check my eligibility →Fields you can train for in Illinois
Welding, HVAC, electrical prep
Skilled Trades in Illinois →CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomy
Healthcare in Illinois →Commercial truck driving
Transportation / CDL in Illinois →Child Development Associate (CDA)
Early Childhood Ed in Illinois →CompTIA, security, networking
IT & Cybersecurity in Illinois →Candidate programs in Illinois
Programs and providers commonly offering short-term training in these fields. Entries marked Representative are illustrative until Illinois publishes its official approved list — always confirm a specific program with the school.
Auto / Diesel Technician
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago
10–18 wks · $2,000–6,500 tuition · $51k median pay · completion data pending
Welding Certificate
Black Hawk College
10–18 wks · $2,000–6,500 tuition · $51k median pay · completion data pending
Welding Certificate
Carl Sandburg College
10–18 wks · $2,000–6,500 tuition · $51k median pay · completion data pending
Nurse Aide / Practical Nursing
Ambria College of Nursing
6–15 wks · $1,200–3,500 tuition · $42k median pay · completion data pending
Nurse Aide / Practical Nursing
Americare Technical School
6–15 wks · $1,200–3,500 tuition · $42k median pay · completion data pending
Nurse Aide / Practical Nursing
Black Hawk College
6–15 wks · $1,200–3,500 tuition · $42k median pay · completion data pending
CDL / Commercial Driving
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
3–8 wks · $3,000–6,500 tuition · $54k median pay · completion data pending
CDL / Commercial Driving
Danville Area Community College
3–8 wks · $3,000–6,500 tuition · $54k median pay · completion data pending
CDL / Commercial Driving
Elgin Community College
3–8 wks · $3,000–6,500 tuition · $54k median pay · completion data pending
Early Childhood (CDA)
Black Hawk College
10–18 wks · $800–3,000 tuition · $35k median pay · completion data pending
Early Childhood (CDA)
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
10–18 wks · $800–3,000 tuition · $35k median pay · completion data pending
Early Childhood (CDA)
City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
10–18 wks · $800–3,000 tuition · $35k median pay · completion data pending
IT Support / Networking
CALC Institute of Technology
10–16 wks · $1,500–5,500 tuition · $60k median pay · completion data pending
Cybersecurity
Carl Sandburg College
10–16 wks · $1,500–5,500 tuition · $60k median pay · completion data pending
Cybersecurity
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
10–16 wks · $1,500–5,500 tuition · $60k median pay · completion data pending
Workforce Pell in Illinois: common questions
Is the Workforce Pell Grant available in Illinois?
Yes. Workforce Pell is federal, so it applies in Illinois — but each program must be on Illinois's state-approved list. Those lists are being finalized for the 2026 launch, so the approved set in Illinois is still growing.
What programs qualify for Workforce Pell in Illinois?
To be approved, a program generally must show that at least 70% of students finish and land a job that pays enough to justify the cost. In practice that favors the trades, healthcare, transportation (CDL) and IT. Always confirm a specific program's status with the school.
How much does Workforce Pell pay in Illinois?
Awards average about $2,200, up to a $4,310 annual maximum, prorated by program length and financial need. Your FAFSA sets the exact amount.