overview of the financial aid process (FAFSA or alternative app)

**Class of 2024 families:  FAFSA is a Graduation requirement**

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid opens December 31, 2023.  Completion of one of these forms is a graduation requirement. For full consideration of aid, families should complete the form within 6-8  weeks of the opening date.  Both forms will require access to your 2022 taxes.  

Students can opt out of this requirement by completing an electronic waiver form - FAFSA Non-Participation Instructions 

FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Who should complete the FAFSA?
Complete the FAFSA if you are a citizen or eligible non-citizen. Click here for a definition of eligible non-citizen.

Who should complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid?
This application is only for students who are not eligible for federal student financial aid, including qualified undocumented students. Most students will still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to apply for financial aid. If you are not sure whether you should complete this Alternative Application or the FAFSA, the pre-screening questions at the beginning of the Alternative Application will help you to determine which application you should file. We also encourage you to talk with your school counselor or the financial aid office at your college or university to learn which application to file (ISAC FAQ, October 2022).

Get started.
The links below provide more information and the steps to help you get started. Get your FSA ID (student and parent will need one), gather your documents and get started completing the appropriate application.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid