Financial Aid and Scholarships

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

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.

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.

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.*

You can visit Filling Out the FAFSA and view the section for Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply.

Depending on your circumstances (for instance, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or what tax form you used), you might need the following information or documents as you fill out the application:

• Student’s Social Security Number
• Parent’s Social Security Number
• Federal tax return information
• Information on cash balances, savings and checking account information

You can also view Helpful Tips When Completing the 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.

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).

You should reach out to our ISAC Representative below!

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

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.

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