The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free financial aid application which a student files that allows the federal government to evaluate how much financial aid a student is eligible for.

FAFSA Process Graphic

La Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) es una solicitud de ayuda financiera gratuita que presenta un estudiante y que le permite al gobierno federal evaluar para cuánta ayuda financiera es elegible un estudiante.

Proceso FAFSA

FAFSA eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please visit FAFSA Eligibility.

Los requisitos de elegibilidad de FAFSA incluyen que usted tiene una necesidad económica, es ciudadano de los EE. UU. O no ciudadano elegible y está inscrito en un programa de título o certificado elegible en su universidad o escuela profesional.

Para obtener más información sobre los requisitos de elegibilidad, visite Elegibilidad de FAFSA.

The FAFSA evaluates eligibility for the following:

• Federal grants
• Federal student loans
• State grants
• Federal work-study funds

The FAFSA does NOT award scholarships. Colleges, universities, community organizations and businesses can award scholarship funds based upon many factors. See further down for more information regarding scholarships.

La FAFSA evalúa la elegibilidad para lo siguiente:

• Subvenciones federales
• Préstamos federales para estudiantes
• Subvenciones estatales
• Fondos federales de trabajo y estudio

La FAFSA NO otorga becas. Los colegios, universidades, organizaciones comunitarias y empresas pueden otorgar fondos para becas basándose en muchos factores. Consulte más abajo para obtener más información sobre becas.

*THIS YEAR the FAFSA will not open until December 2023.* The FAFSA opens on October 1. You may file the application on or after October 1 of your Senior Year of high school.

*You should file the application as soon as you can on/after October 1 as some financial aid is a first-come, first-serve basis.*

*ESTE AÑO la FAFSA no se abrirá hasta diciembre de 2023.* La FAFSA se abre el 1 de octubre. Puede presentar la solicitud el 1 de octubre o después de su último año de escuela secundaria.

*Debe presentar la solicitud tan pronto como pueda a partir del 1 de octubre, ya que parte de la ayuda financiera se asigna por orden de llegada.*

Puede visitar Completar la FAFSA y ver la sección para Recopilar los documentos necesarios para presentar una solicitud.

Dependiendo de sus circunstancias (por ejemplo, si es ciudadano de los EE. UU. O qué formulario de impuestos utilizó), es posible que necesite la siguiente información o documentos al completar la solicitud:

• Número de seguro social del estudiante
• Número de seguro social de los padres
• Información sobre la declaración de impuestos federales
• Información sobre saldos de caja, ahorros y cuenta corriente

También puede ver Consejos útiles al completar la FAFSA.

A FSA ID is a username and password that you create in order to complete and digitally sign your FAFSA. Please see the “Creating FSA ID” section of this link for more information. You can also view FSA ID Completion Instructions for support.

Una FSA ID es un nombre de usuario y contraseña que crea para completar y firmar digitalmente su FAFSA. Consulte la sección “Creación de FSA ID” de este enlace para obtener más información o visita este enlace. También puede ver las Instrucciones para completar la FSA ID para obtener ayuda.

You can view What happens after I file the FAFSA? to learn more about the next steps regarding your application and pending Student Aid Report (SAR).

Después de enviar su formulario FAFSA en línea o en la aplicación móvil myStudentAid, puede verificar su estado inmediatamente. (Nota: solo el estudiante puede verificar el estado, porque el nombre de usuario y la contraseña de la FSA ID son necesarios para iniciar sesión). A continuación, le indicamos cómo:

1. Vaya a fafsa.gov o la aplicación móvil myStudentAid e inicie sesión con su nombre de usuario y contraseña de FSA ID.
2. El estado de su solicitud será uno de los siguientes.
   1. Procesando: Su solicitud aún se está procesando. Por lo general, toma de tres a cinco días, más un día hábil adicional, para estar disponible para las escuelas que enumeró en el formulario.
   2. Procesado correctamente: su solicitud se procesó correctamente. No se necesita ninguna otra acción.
   3. Faltan firmas: A su solicitud le faltan las firmas requeridas.
   4. Acción requerida: su aplicación requiere más acciones. Comuníquese con su escuela para resolver el problema.

Si envió un formulario FAFSA en papel, puede verificar su estado después de que se haya procesado (aproximadamente de 7 a 10 días a partir de la fecha de envío).

You should reach out to our ISAC Representative below!

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

If you have an immediate question, you can get your question answered by ISAC via text message. To use the service simply text your first and last name to the phone number below:
English: 630-216-4910
Español: 773-823-0570

Debe comunicarse con nuestra representante de ISAC.

Avalon Bruno
Número de teléfono: 847-257-5162
Correo electrónico: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov

Si tiene una pregunta inmediata, ISAC puede responderla a través de un mensaje de texto. Para usar el servicio, simplemente envíe un mensaje de texto con su nombre y apellido al número de teléfono a continuación:
Inglés: 630-216-4910
Español: 773-823-0570

Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre la FAFSA.

Para obtener información sobre ayuda financiera en español, haga clic aquí.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede comunicarse con nuestra Representante de ISAC.

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

If your student is NOT planning on attending ANY post-secondary institution (trade school, community college, four-year college) and do not want to file an application for financial aid, you may file a FAFSA Waiver Form.

A FAFSA Waiver Form is a form you fill out that indicates you are choosing not to file an application for financial aid. This form must be filled out completely and turned into your student’s school counselor or the Student Services Office at the high school.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school counselor.

Si su estudiante NO planea asistir a NINGUNA institución postsecundaria (escuela de oficios, colegio comunitario, universidad de cuatro años) y no desea presentar una solicitud de ayuda financiera, puede presentar un formulario de exención FAFSA.

Un formulario de exención de FAFSA es un formulario que llena y que indica que está eligiendo no presentar una solicitud de ayuda financiera. Este formulario debe llenarse por completo y entregarse al consejero escolar de su hijo oa la Oficina de Servicios Estudiantiles de la escuela secundaria.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el consejero escolar de su hijo.

The Alternative Application is a free application for state financial aid for students who are undocumented or transgender. The Alternative Application is only for the State of Illinois.

La Solicitud Alternativa es una solicitud gratuita de ayuda financiera estatal para estudiantes indocumentados o transgénero. La solicitud alternativa es solo para el estado de Illinois.

Students who are undocumented or transgender are eligible to file the Alternative Application.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please visit ISAC Alternative Application.

Los estudiantes indocumentados o transgénero son elegibles para presentar la Solicitud Alternativa.

Para obtener más información sobre los requisitos de elegibilidad, visite Solicitud alternativa de ISAC.

The Alternative Application evaluates eligibility for:

• State grants

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows students who are undocumented or transgender the opportunity to potentially have access to MAP grant aid.

La aplicación alternativa evalúa la elegibilidad para:

• Subvenciones estatales

La Solicitud Alternativa de Ayuda Financiera de Illinois permite a los estudiantes que son indocumentados o transgénero la oportunidad de tener acceso a la subvención MAP.

The Alternative Application opens on October 1. You may file the application on or after October 1 of your Senior Year of high school.

*You should file the application as soon as you can on/after October 1 as some financial aid is a first-come, first-serve basis.*

La solicitud alternativa se abre el 1 de octubre. Puede presentar la solicitud a partir del 1 de octubre de su último año de escuela secundaria.

*Debe presentar la solicitud tan pronto como pueda a partir del 1 de octubre, ya que parte de la ayuda financiera se asigna por orden de llegada.*

The Alternative Application asks students and parents for similar information to the FAFSA. Documents and information you will need to complete the application include:

• Federal income tax returns, W-2’s, and other records of money earned
• Bank statements (savings and checking account) and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
• List of up to 10 colleges you would like to attend to send your application to

Visit ISAC Alternative Application FAQ page for more information.

La Solicitud alternativa les pide a los estudiantes y padres información similar a la FAFSA. Los documentos y la información que necesitará para completar la solicitud incluyen:

• Declaraciones de impuestos federales sobre la renta, formularios W-2 y otros registros de dinero ganado
• Extractos bancarios (cuenta corriente y de ahorros) y registros de inversiones (si corresponde)
• Registros de ingresos libres de impuestos (si corresponde)
• Lista de hasta 10 universidades a las que le gustaría asistir para enviar su solicitud a

Visite la página de Solicitud alternativa de ISAC para obtener más información.

ISAC does not notify students who complete the Alternative Application about their EFC or their eligibility for MAP. The only notification that a student will receive from ISAC after submitting the application will be confirmation that it was submitted successfully and has been received by ISAC. Information about the student’s EFC will be provided to colleges in order to determine financial aid awards and eligibility. If you have questions about your eligibility and award amounts, you should contact the financial aid office at the college that you plan to attend.

Visit ISAC Alternative Application FAQ page for more information.

ISAC no notifica a los estudiantes que completan la Solicitud alternativa sobre su EFC o su elegibilidad para MAP. La única notificación que un estudiante recibirá de ISAC después de enviar la solicitud será la confirmación de que se envió correctamente y que ISAC la recibió. Se proporcionará información sobre el EFC del estudiante a las universidades para determinar la elegibilidad y la concesión de ayuda financiera. Si tiene preguntas sobre su elegibilidad y los montos de las subvenciones, debe comunicarse con la oficina de ayuda financiera de la universidad a la que planea asistir.

You should reach out to our ISAC Representative below!

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

If you have an immediate question, you can get your question answered by ISAC via text message. To use the service simply text your first and last name to the phone number below:
English: 630-216-4910
Español: 773-823-0570

Debe comunicarse con nuestra representante de ISAC.

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

Si tiene una pregunta inmediata, ISAC puede responderla a través de un mensaje de texto. Para usar el servicio, simplemente envíe un mensaje de texto con su nombre y apellido al número de teléfono a continuación:
Inglés: 630-216-4910
Español: 773-823-0570

Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre la aplicación alternativa.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede comunicarse con nuestra Representante de ISAC.

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

Financial aid are monetary funds awarded to students to help pay for post-secondary studies. Financial aid funds are awarded by state and federal governments, colleges and universities, and many more organizations. Financial aid consists of 2 basic categories and 4 types:

1. Gift Aid includes
   1. Grants
   2. Scholarships
2. Self-Help Aid includes
   1. Loans
   2. Federal Work-Study

To learn more about the types of financial aid, visit FSA Types of Financial Aid and ISAC Types of Financial Aid.

Types of Financial Aid Graphic: English or Español

• Who: State and Federal Governments, colleges and some organizations
• How do I apply: by completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application
• Do I have to pay it back?: NO

MAP Grants and PELL Grants are two commonly awarded grants. 

To learn more about grants, visit FSA – Grants and ISAC – Grants.

• Who: colleges, organizations, community groups, companies, pretty much anyone
• How do I apply: find and fill out their application
• Do I have to pay it back?: NO
  • Scholarships are merit-based meaning they may be based on your GPA, course rigor,  standardized test scores, personal qualities, talents, accomplishments, accolades or some combination there of. Some scholarships do have criteria around financial need among other factors for consideration.

To learn more about scholarships, visit FSA – Scholarships and ISAC Scholarships.

• Who: Federal Government, banks, credit unions, private lenders
• How do I apply:
  • Federal Government: by completing the FAFSA
  • Banks/credit unions/private lenders: by completing their specific application process
• Do I have to pay it back?: YES

To learn more about loans, visit FSA – Loans and ISAC – Loans.

View the Federal Student Aid – Basics for Students Guide: English or Español

Getting a Federal Student Loan Graphic: English or Español

• Who: colleges, universities who elect to participate in the Federal Work-Study program (not all colleges and universities participate in this program)
• How do I apply: your eligibility is determined by the completion of your FAFSA
• Do I have to pay it back?: NO

To learn more about federal work-study, visit FSA – Work-Study and ISAC – Work-Study.

Students do not apply for grants, loans, and federal work-study. Eligibility for these categories of financial aid are determined by filing the FAFSA or the Alternative Application.

Federal Student Aid
The Federal Student Aid site is where you will fill out your FAFSA and find information about federal student aid.

Types of Financial Aid
Do you want to learn more about the different types of financial aid such as grants, loans, scholarships, and more?

Financial Aid Glossary of Terms
Are you confused about all the terms about financial aid? Reference this document to find out the definitions of common financial aid terms.

ISAC College Cost Calculators and Estimators
Find various links to several cost calculators to help you approximate the cost of college tuition.

Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator allows students and their families to estimate what their estimated family contribution (EFC) will be before filing the FAFSA. This tool is replacing the previously popular tool FAFSA4caster.

Understanding College Costs
Understand the various costs and other expenses when paying for college

CFPB Paying for College Resources
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has some information about understanding your financial aid offer and understanding your rights and responsibilities when it comes to repaying back your student loans

FinAid.org Guide
Visit this great reference site to learn about the different types of financial aid, EFC and loan calculators, and understand the basics regarding the FAFSA

US Department of Education Net Price Calculator
Use the site to find any college’s Net Price calculator to understand how much college is going to cost you!

Federal Student Aid Eligibility for Non-US Citizens
Understand which categories of non-US citizens are eligible for federal student aid.

Federal Student Aid Q&A for Non-US Citizens
Find out the answers to some of the most common questions regarding undocumented students and federal student aid.

Immigrants Rising – List of Scholarships and Fellowships
Immigrants Rising is a non-profit organization based in California which supports students who are undocumented. They publish a list each year of scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship.

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights – Student’s Guide to College
View the ICIRR’s Guide to understanding your rights and responsibilities when it comes to applying for and attending college as an undocumented student

ISAC Resources for Non-US Citizens
Explore ISAC’s resources for non-US citizen students interested in attending college

IACAC Financial Aid and Scholarships for Undocumented Students
The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) has gathered some resources and links to scholarships for undocumented students. Some examples of the resources are the Illinois Dream Fund and Golden Door Scholars.

NACAC Q&A for Undocumented Students
View the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) frequently asked questions regarding financial aid for undocumented students

NASFAA Tip Sheet for Undocumented Students
View the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) most asked questions regarding undocumented students and post-secondary study

TheDREAM.US Partner Schools
Find a list of colleges and universities who are associated with TheDREAM.US which promotes and supports the college attainment goals of undocumented students

School House Connection FAFSA Resources
School House Connection is a nationwide organization which helps to support and advocate for students and their families experiencing homelessness.

Definition of Homelessness
Understand the various definitions of homelessness

Federal Student Aid Q&A for Homeless Youth
View a FAQ regarding the most asked questions about financial aid and students experiencing homelessness

Flowchart for Financial Aid for Homeless/Unaccompanied Youth
Understand how homelessness can influence and impact your eligibility for financial aid and how to appeal to colleges and universities for increased aid

You can also reach out to our ISAC representative below!

Avalon Bruno
Phone number: 847-257-5162
Email: avalon.bruno@illinois.gov 

Any college or university, community organization, employer, or pretty much anyone can award a scholarship. Scholarships can be local or regional scholarships meaning they are awarded to students who in a live in particular city or county.

Scholarships can also be state or nationwide meaning students only from a particular state are eligible or nationwide meaning any student can apply.

The majority of the meaningful scholarship money students receive come from the colleges and universities to which they apply and are accepted.

You can find many local and regional scholarships on the EAHS Scholarship List. You can also find scholarships on the following sites:

FastWeb

Cappex

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

ROTC Scholarship and College Funding Information

NO – you should never have to pay a fee to search for scholarships online. If the site you visit asks you to pay, do not use their search service!

To learn more about avoiding scholarship scams, please visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams

Merit-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance, taking into account grade point average and often SAT/ACT scores as well. The majority of the meaningful scholarship money students receive come from the colleges and universities to which they apply and are accepted. 

Many colleges may have other merit-based scholarships that require a separate application process and may focus more on extracurricular activities and personal characteristics. Those requirements and processes will differ from scholarship to scholarship and from school to school.

Chartered in 1978, the Waubonsee Community College Foundation was formed to advance the educational and charitable purposes of Waubonsee Community College.  All awards are good for one year only and are subject to funding availability.

They offer over 160 scholarships to prospective students. These scholarships range anywhere from $250 to $3,500 with an average student earning an award of $1,000! For more information on how to apply and resource videos regarding the application process, please visit WCC Foundation Scholarship

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is an organization offering over 100 scholarships to students from the Fox River Valley. Students complete one application in order to determine which scholarships they may be eligible for.

Some scholarships may be decided by the following factors:
– Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
– Participation in sports and/or clubs/activities
– Connected to majors like Engineering, Education, Business, Health Care and more
– Open to two or four year colleges or trade schools

For more information on the scholarship and how to apply, please visit the CFFRV Scholarship link.

The College Board BigFuture Scholarships are open to all students. The BigFuture Scholarships are a collection of several scholarships awarded to students who complete specific tasks within their College Board account. You can qualify for these scholarships simply by completing your college planning steps through your College Board account. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $40,000. There is no required minimum GPA or test score to be eligible! For more information, please visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

You can view what college planning steps are necessary to complete in order to enter the drawing by visiting the links below.
BigFuture Scholarship – Overview (English)
BigFuture Scholarship – Overview (Spanish)

You can view the general timeline on when each step needs to be completed by visiting the links below.
BigFuture Scholarship Timeline (English)
BigFuture Scholarship Timeline (Spanish)