Financial Aid

Financial Aid FAQ

Should  I apply for federal financial aid?
A student should complete the FAFSA regardless of income level if they want to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. The Illinois Board of Education requires FAFSA completion for public high schoolers.

What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA?
See the step-by-step guide above for a list of needed documents.

When should I fill out the FAFSA?
Complete the FAFSA as soon as it comes available in the fall of your senior year. This timeframe ranges from October to December each year. You can start the process early by creating an FSA ID before the FAFSA is available. The FSA ID application takes a few business days to process, and an FSA ID is necessary to complete the FAFSA.

Will filling out the FAFSA sign me up for student loans?
The FAFSA is merely an application that shows what financial aid you are eligible for - it is not an agreement to accept financial aid. Once you accept admission to a college or university, you accept actual financial aid through the institution.

What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
The primary difference is that loans must be repaid, typically with interest, whereas grants do not have to be repaid. 

Should I use student loans to fund my education?
Decisions about loans should be made in careful consideration with your family and with a full understanding of your financial aid eligibility, scholarship offers, and budget. This office will never advise a student on financial decisions.