CHICAGO - The Illinois Student Assistance Commission on Friday adopted its plan to reduce financial aid for college students if the state's budget mess doesn't get sorted out.

The commission previously put together a plan to be triggered if the stripped-down state budget approved in May takes effect Wednesday. At a meeting Friday in Chicago, the commission approved implementing that plan.

It would cut funding for student aid, specifically the large Monetary Award Program, or MAP, grants by more than half.

In that case, students would receive smaller grants in the fall and perhaps no financial aid in the spring.

But that budget could change. Lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn are trying to figure out how best to deal with the state's financial crisis.

In the meantime, though, the commission wanted to plan for what's already been approved. At Friday's meeting, the idea of reduced financial aid drew criticism from students.

"To the concerned citizens that came out to voice their feelings on the anticipated loss of much-needed grants and scholarships, know that your message has been heard, loud and clear," said Andrew Davis, commission executive director.

DePaul University senior Rosa Macias said the cost of college is already high enough to keep a lot of her friends from going. The absence of MAP grants would do more damage, she said.

"Many have dropped out of college or are not even looking into college because of the cost," Macias said.

The state's fiscal year will end Tuesday, and lawmakers are scheduled to return Monday for a last-ditch effort at working on the budget.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865