Embedded Files
fafsa= free application federal student aid
fafsa= free application federal student aid
The FAFSA determines if you qualify for the four types of aid: grants, loans (both parent and student loans), work study positions, and need-based scholarships. Think you can’t afford a private school? Remember that the amount of financial aid given to families will change depending on the price of the school. Parents are encouraged to fill out the form regardless of their income level and apply as soon as possible to take advantage of state and federal monies given on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, some schools require the FAFSA on file prior to awarding some need based scholarships. Applying for the FAFSA is always free.
Financial aid Graduation requirement
Financial aid Graduation requirement
The State of Illinois has made it a graduation requirement that every senior fills out the FAFSA or signs a waiver stating they do not intend to fill it out. West Chicago High School tracks and enters all students who have either done the Opt-Out Form or completed FAFSA (according to ISAC). All seniors must do something to complete the requirement or they can not graduate.
You can do this before the FAFSA is released.
This username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.
What is a StudentAid.Gov account?
It is username and password that is required to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Who needs a StudentAid.Gov account?
All contributors (student, student's spouse, and/or parent) must have their own account.
What if the student or contributor doesn’t remember their account or is not sure if they have one?
To retrieve a forgotten FSA ID or password, please go here and click either the "Forgot my Username" or "Forgot my Password" links.
What documents do i need to fill out the fafsa?
What documents do i need to fill out the fafsa?
For those completing a 2026–27 FAFSA form, you need the following information:
Your Social Security Number
Your A-Number (if you're not a U.S. citizen)
Federal income tax returns, records of child support received; and your current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts (Note: You must provide consent and approval to disclose your federal tax information to be eligible for federal student aid.)
Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable), net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
A StudentAid.Gov account (username and password) to log in to StudentAid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically
If you're a dependent student, then you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s).
APPLY FOR FAFSA!
APPLY FOR FAFSA!
FAFSA portal is expected to open October 1, 2025.
Be sure to fill out the 2026-2027 (school year) FAFSA Application!
Need assistance?
Need assistance?
Contact WEGO ISAC rep: Magdalena Campos Hernandez
Email: Maggy.Hernandez@illinois.gov
Phone: (630) 740-0803
FAFSA WALK THROUGH VIDEO
FAFSA WALK THROUGH VIDEO
Watch below for a step-by-step breakdown of the FAFSA application, addressing the unique challenges of the 2024 academic year.
fafsa Non-participation form
fafsa Non-participation form
For students who choose not to file an application, a Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form may be signed by a parent or guardian.
The Nonparticipation Form 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.
As of the 2020-21 school year, to receive a diploma from a public high school a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A parent/guardian must file a waiver if they choose to opt a child out of this graduation requirement by completing this Nonparticipation form; students who are at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated may complete the form themselves.
If you wish to opt yourself or your student out of the Financial Aid Application graduation requirement, please complete this form and return it to your high school counselor. Students can complete a waiver form for any reason, no questions asked. Students can also submit the waiver form and change their mind at a later date and still complete a FAFSA or alternative application. Students that are early (January) graduates still need to comply with this requirement.
RISE ACT/Alternative form
RISE ACT/Alternative form
Link to Form: https://studentportal.isac.org/en/alternativeapp
The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs. The pre-screening questions in this application will help you determine if you are a qualifying undocumented student who is not eligible for federal financial aid.
WYATT
WYATT
The Common Application has shared a partnership with Benefits Data Trust, introducing Wyatt—a FREE friendly, digital FAFSA advisor. Students can now text their FAFSA and financial questions, receiving personalized responses to guide them through the application process. To get ready for the Better FAFSA, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) and the Federal Student Aid (FSA) have compiled resources for members and partners.
isac - Text line q&a
isac - Text line q&a
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission now offers ISAC College Q&A - get your questions about college planning and financial aid answered via text message, and receive important information about college planning events and deadlines.
To use the service simply text your first and last name to the phone number below:
English: (630) 216-4910
Español: (773) 823-0570
what happens after you file your fafsa?
what happens after you file your fafsa?
If you submitted your FAFSA form online, they will process your form within one to three days. If you submitted a paper FAFSA form, your form will be processed within 7 to 10 days.
Once your form is processed, you’ll receive a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary, which summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA form. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary and make sure all of the information is complete and accurate.
Your FAFSA Submission Summary will include your Student Aid Index (SAI). Schools use your SAI to determine your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and other federal and nonfederal student aid. Learn more about how your SAI is calculated.
You can check the status of an online FAFSA form at any time by logging in to StudentAid.gov and selecting your FAFSA submission from the "My Activity" section of your account Dashboard.
If there is any missing or incorrect information, complete or correct your FAFSA form as soon as possible.
Once your FAFSA form is processed, your Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is sent to the colleges or career schools you listed on your FAFSA form. Those colleges and career schools are responsible for creating your aid offer and disbursing your financial aid. However, listing a college or career school on your FAFSA form is generally not sufficient to receive aid at that school, as most schools don’t create aid packages for every applicant who lists the school on their FAFSA form.
Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend to find out if there are additional requirements for receiving financial aid and to learn more about the process of applying for aid at that school.
Page updated
Report abuse