Financial Aid

Financial Aid Night Presentation

Unable to attend Financial Aid Night at SCN on September 18th?  Please find the presentation HERE! 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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. 

FAFSA 24/25 Walkthrough Video with Tips 

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.

• Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid FAQ

• Alternative Application User Guide

Support for Undocumented/DACA students:

• The Dream.Us

• Elgin Community College

• HACU(Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities)

• The Anhelo Project Scholarship

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.

• Nonparticipation Form Instructions

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