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Figuring out how to fund your dreams is a vital step in making them happen. It is important to understand the financial aid process for the post-secondary path that you intend to pursue.
What is FINANCIAL AID?
Financial aid is money that you can receive to help you pay for college, including community college, 4-year universities, and trade school programs. There is gift aid (money that does not typically have to be paid back), which includes grants and scholarships. Also, there is self-help aid (money that has to be earned or eventually paid back), which includes loans and work study programs.
Click the images below to learn more about each type of financial aid.
Loans
Grants
Work Study Program
Scholarships
How can I get FINANCIAL AID?
fOR LOANS, GRANTS, AND WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
fOR LOANS, GRANTS, AND WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
Apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
***OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2026***
This application will use income, assets and other factors to determine the amount you and your family are expected to contribute to your college expenses. Your eligibility for financial aid will be determined by your and your family’s financial situation, and by filing your FAFSA on time.
You must submit the FAFSA in order to be considered for all federal financial aid programs (including student loans), most programs through your college and most state programs, including the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.
Most of the questions on the FAFSA are demographic-related and the rest of the answers come from your tax forms and/or those of your parents (if you’re a dependent student) or your spouse (if you are married).
Click here to get to the FAFSA form. Be sure to select the 2027-2028 FAFSA. Early grads: you will want to do both the 2027-2028 and 2026-2027 FAFSA.
fOR scholarships
fOR scholarships
There are many types of scholarships available for students. This includes local/regional, national, and college-specific scholarship programs.
Research each scholarship opportunity below. Pay attention to criteria, deadlines, and appliction materials!
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL): regional scholarship oppportunities. Opens December 1, 2026 and closes February 1, 2027
District 100 Community Scholarships: local scholarship opportunities. opens February 2027 (info sent via StudentSquare)
Boone County Community Foundation: regional scholarship opportunities. Dates/deadlines vary depending on the scholarship
Rock Valley College (RVC) Foundation- college-specific scholarship opportunities (for students planning to attend RVC). Opens Valentine’s Day to April Fools’ Day 2027
These scholarships and more can also be found in a student's SchooLinks account (linked to D100 email).
Students should also be looking at college's financial aid websites. You may even qualify for FREE tuition!
Need additional support?
Connect with ISAC
Connect with ISAC
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is a great resource. We partner with ISAC for many of our events. Contact our rep today!
BHS's ISAC Rep:
Josephine Carlson (she/her/ella)
Hablo Español
(815) 312-6223
Josephine.Carlson@illinois.gov
Questions about financial aid, college, or want to sign up for reminders? Text your first and last name to our experts and receive answers: 815-243-6470 (English); (773) 823-0570 (Spanish)
Attend one of our events!
Attend one of our events!
At the top of this web page, there is a calendar called the "Financial Aid" calendar. There are several events of different formats, times, and levels of support. They are all totally free for our students and families, and we typically have bilingual support available (Spanish). Strongly consider attending one or as many of these events as you need! You are guarenteed to get the help you need to pay for college.
When you click on an event in the calendar, you will be able to read a description of the event, including how to register if needed. All of our events are hosted by BHS staff in collaboration with organizations like ISAC and RVC.
If you have any questions about these events, please contact Mrs. Owen (BHS Counselor) at eowen@district100.com or 815-547-3054.
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