Scholarships &
Financial Aid
Scholarships
A comprehensive and frequently updated list of local and regional scholarships can be viewed by students through their Naviance account under the “Colleges” tab and then by selecting “Scholarship List”. It is organized alphabetically, and the search bar can be used to search the list using keywords found in scholarship titles. We recommend students check the list every or every other week for updates as additional scholarship applications will constantly open up throughout the year.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the online application that allows a student to apply simultaneously for federal student aid (including the Pell Grant, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans) and the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. Many colleges and universities use it for their aid programs, too.
Beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, P. A. 101-180 requires all Illinois public high school students to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. Additionally, high schools are expected to provide students and their families with any support or guidance necessary to comply with the requirement. For students who choose not to file an application, a waiver may be completed by their parent. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) makes available through their website a FAFSA Nonparticipation Form (English and Spanish) for this purpose.
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a pathway for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
Support for Undocumented/DACA students:
Assistance Completing FAFSA
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Get answers directly from ISAC’s experts sent to your phone. Text your name to 630-216-4910
Direct your financial aid questions to our ISAC Representative Avalon Bruno, avalonlbruno@illinois.gov or 847-257-5162.
Elgin Community College Financial Aid Office
Even if you are not enrolled or planning to attend ECC you can receive assistance.
The Financial Aid Office is located in Building B, room B156.
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
847-214-7360
Fax: 847-608-5460
financialaid@elgin.edu
FAFSA Nonparticipation Instructions
For students who choose not to file an application, a waiver may be completed by their parent. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) makes this available through their website. This is also available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Student Portal.
Additional FAFSA Information
A simpler FAFSA is coming for the 2024-25 school year. Here's what to expect. - USA Today, Aug. 6, 2023
Don't have money for college? Use FAFSA to find some. Here's what it is and how it works. - USA Today Aug. 7. 2023