SENIORS:  FSA ID Workshops 

What is an FSA ID: An FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to the U.S. Department of Education's online systems,including StudentAid.gov. When: 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, and 11/13 During ALL lunch periods 

FAFSA Completion Workshops: 

October 8th & December 3rd, 6:00-8:00 PM, WWSHS LLC

Do you need help filling out the FAFSA? Join us for our FAFSA completion nights. There will be ISAC professionals to assist you with any FAFSA related concerns. This night is strictly OPTIONAL - only if you have specific questions/issues about filing the FAFSA. 

Spanish speaking professionals will also be available. Please have your Student join, there chromebook, or computer and all information needed to answer questions on FAFSA.  

FAFSA GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

In addition to all other graduation requirements, a student must meet one of the following requirements to receive a public school diploma (Public Act 101-0180):

1. File a FAFSA Application; or

2. File an Application for State Financial Aid; or

3. File a waiver/opt out with the school district.

FAFSA Non-Participation Form (English)

FAFSA Non-Participation Form (Spanish)

The following FAQ Section will provide detailed information, to allow you and your family to make the best decision in completing this graduation requirement.

What is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Why would I want to complete it?

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 loads), and the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. Many colleges and universities use this to determine their institution-specific aid programs, too. The FAFSA application opens on October 1st of each year, for the following school year. So a student in the Class of 2026 would have to wait until October 1st of their senior year to begin the FAFSA. When completing the FAFSA, a student in the Class of 2026 would complete the 2025-26 Year FAFSA (for the year they are looking to receive federal financial aid).

What is the Application for State Financial Aid? Why would I want to complete it?

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is a similar application that provides a path for some students who do not qualify for federal aid to apply for state and school-funded assistance. Undocumented students (who cannot complete the FAFSA) and transgender students (who are unable to complete the selective service requirement for FAFSA, due to conflicts), are eligible to receive state-based aid through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

What is the Waiver/Opt-Out Form? Why would I want to complete it?

The FAFSA Nonparticipation Form allows parents/guardians and students over the age of 18 to opt-out of completing the FAFSA application. The form must be completed in its entirety, and turned in (via mail or email) to our Counseling Center Department Chair, Hannah Fishbeck. Her contact info is:

Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Attn: Hannah Fishbeck, 1993 Tiger Trail, Wheaton, IL 60189

hannah.fishbeck@cusd200.org

Which option should I choose to complete?

This is entirely a personal & family decision. Regardless of which option you choose, students must complete one of the three options from above to fulfill their state graduation requirement. Not completing one of these options is not the same as completing the FAFSA Nonparticipations Form. A student and their parent/guardian must complete either 1) the FAFSA; 2) the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid form; or 3) the FAFSA Nonparticipations Form.

If I submit the FAFSA Nonparticipation Form, can I complete the FAFSA at a later date?

Yes! Completing the FAFSA Nonparticipation Form will not prevent a student from completing the FAFSA / Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid form at a later date. The student/parent does not need to notify the school – just complete the FAFSA / Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid form as soon as possible.

What if I still have questions regarding the FAFSA / Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid / FAFSA Nonparticipation Form?

There are multiple people you can reach out to with questions, including your school counselor. You can also reach out to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), a state-funded public service staffed by Financial Aid experts, through their FREE texting Q&A service!

To use the ISAC College Q&A texting service, just text your first & last name to (630) 216-4910, and an ISAC Representative will assist you with your questions.

To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you will need:

• An FSA ID

• Both Student and Parents need to create a FSA ID individually

• Create an FSA ID as soon as possible before you complete the FAFSA!

  • You can do this before December 1st

  • An FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

• Your Social Security Number

• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

• Your federal income tax returns (1040), W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)

• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)

• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

• An FSA ID to sign electronically.

If you are a dependent student, then you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s).