State law requires all Illinois public high school seniors 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.

For students who choose not to file an application, a Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form may be signed by a parent or guardian. The 2024-25 Nonparticipation Form (used to opt-out of the 2025-26 FAFSA) can be submitted online on ISAC’s Student Portal. See the Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form Instructions for details on how to complete the electronic form. 

If the student is an emancipated minor, they will need to complete the paper Nonparticipation Form which can be requested by emailing fafsa@isbe.net. For questions regarding the waiver/opt-out form, you can email ISBE at fafsa@isbe.net.