How do I apply for financial aid?
You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state, and institutional funds that we award. Information regarding applications is available at each of the four colleges (FCC, LTC, OCC, & WVC). The application may be filed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . Online applications are returned in 7-10 days. Applications filed by regular mail are returned in 2-3 weeks.
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money/resources provided to help bridge the gap between your own resources and the amount needed to pay for the cost of attending college. The primary responsibility for meeting the cost of college rests with the student and family to the extent that they are able to pay. A formula established by the U.S. Congress and written in law takes into account your family income and assets.
When are Financial Aid applications available?
Applications are available the first working day of the new year in January for the upcoming academic year. Current year applications are available on an ongoing basis.
What is your deadline?
We highly recommend that you complete and submit all documents as soon as possible after your taxes are filed to ensure that funds are available on the first day of instruction. Our office will receive the results from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but remember to allow time for the processing of the application. However, the office continues to process applications until funds are depleted or the academic year has ended. Funds are limited, so apply early.
Do I return the application to the Financial Aid office?
No. The FAFSA has to be mailed to the Federal Processor in the pre-addressed envelope provided with the application or filed online http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .
What is your school code, address and fax number?
Frontier Community College 014090
2 Frontier Drive
Fairfield , IL 62837-2601
618/842-3711
877/464-3687
FAX: 618/842-3412
Director of Financial Assistance - Carroll Hilliard
Lincoln Trail College 009786
11220 State Highway 1
Robinson , IL 62454-5707
618/544-8657
866/582-4322
FAX: 618/544-4705
Coordinator of Financial Aid - Jennifer Barthelemy
Olney Central College 001742
305 N. West St .
Olney , Il 62450-2699
618/395-7777
866/622-4322
FAX: 618/395-1261
Coordinator of Financial Aid - Vicki Stuckey
Wabash Valley College 001779
2200 College Dr .
Mt. Carmel , IL 62863-2699
618/262-8641
866/982-4322
FAX: 618/262-8841
Financial Aid Coordinator - Mindy Silvernale
Why do I have to provide parental information?
Parent information is used because the U.S. Congress has said that families have the primary responsibility of funding a college education. Parent information is not necessary if you are independent. By federal definition, you are considered independent if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You are 24 years or older
- You are working on a degree beyond a Bachelor's degree
- You are married by the date you filed your FAFSA
- You are a ward of the court or both parents are deceased, and you do not have an adoptive parent or legal guardian. If you were a ward of the court until the age of 18, please submit documentation showing your release from court custody upon reaching age 18
- You have legal dependents that fit the following definition:
- Children who receive more than half of their support from you or other people living with you who receive more than half of their support from you and will continue to receive that support during the academic year you are applying for (do not include your spouse)
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. You are considered a veteran if you:
- have engaged in active service in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard and were released under a condition other than dishonorable
You are NOT a veteran if you:
- were never in the U.S. Armed Forces
- were only a ROTC student
- were only a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies
- were only a National Guard or Reserves enlistee and were not activated for duty
- are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and will continue to serve through June 30 prior to the academic year you are applying
If you do not meet any of the definitions above, then you are dependent and MUST report your parents' information on the FAFSA. Our office may require documentation.
What if I do not meet any of the definitions above AND my parents do not support me?
You are not automatically independent for financial aid purposes simply because your parents stop claiming you as a tax exemption or refuse to give you support for your college education. Unwillingness, inability, or reluctance of parents to help pay for your educational costs or becoming emancipated and/or qualifying for in-state tuition do not make you independent by federal law.
The Financial Aid Office may make allowances for students to be independent if they can demonstrate extenuating family circumstances on a case by case basis. You must make an appointment with one of our financial aid specialists to discuss your circumstances.
What happens after I apply?
You have the responsibility to follow up on your aid package. You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor when they have completed processing your FAFSA. When you receive your copy of the SAR, we will have received it electronically provided that you listed our school code on your application.
After reviewing your electronic SAR, we will send you a request for additional information or forms to complete. You should submit all completed forms to our office as soon as possible.
When we have completed the review process with all the requested documents on file, you will be mailed an award letter indicating the aid you are eligible to receive.
What is an "aid package"?
When you apply for financial aid, you do not have to apply for a particular type or amount of aid. Aid applicants are automatically considered for all available aid programs administered by our office. One or more types of aid are usually awarded in combination to make up a student's financial aid package. Students who receive scholarships from outside agencies or through their departments must inform our office and these scholarships will be included as a part of their financial aid package. You will need to make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to apply for a loan.
When is my refund check available?
If you are due a refund, the checks will be mailed to you. You may check Entrata for specific dates and additional details.
When can I pick up my loan check?
Stafford loan checks are issued no earlier than 30 days into the semester. You will be notified when the check is available for you to pick up at the Business Office.
If I withdraw from my classes, will I be required to repay the funds I received?
Enrollment changes can have a significant impact on your current financial aid awards as well as your future financial aid eligibility. Your tuition and fees may be adjusted whenever you add, drop or withdraw based on the IECC Refund Policy. You should refer to the catalog for more details. As a result of dropping or withdrawing from your classes, your financial aid may be reduced, or in some cases, canceled. Also, these dropped or withdrawn classes are counted in determining your future financial aid eligibility through the Academic Satisfactory Progress Policy. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping or withdrawing from your classes.
If I am on financial aid probation, can I receive any awards?
Yes. You can receive awards while on financial aid probation but must adhere to the special conditions listed on your probation letter.
For how long is the application good?
The FAFSA will cover Fall, Spring, and Summer of the academic year as indicated on the application.
Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes, you must apply for financial aid each year. Each financial aid application covers one academic year that consists of Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Semester.
Students who applied for financial aid in the current year will receive a Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) reminder during January or February.
Students who are renewal-eligible and who qualify for reminders will be sent Renewal Reminder notifications. Eligible students who provided e-mail addresses on their current record will receive Renewal Reminder e-mails. Renewal–eligible students whose records do not have e-mail addresses with valid syntax, or whose Renewal Reminder e-mails are returned as undeliverable, will be mailed Renewal Reminder letters, provided there is a deliverable mailing address.
How do I get a student job?
Federal Work Study funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first serve basis. If FWS appears on your award letter, you should contact the Financial Aid Office for placement.
What if my financial situation changes?
If you or your parents (for dependent students) experience a change in financial situation, you can request that the Financial Aid Office reevaluate your aid eligibility. You will be asked to complete a Special Circumstances Form describing the change and to provide some form of substantiating documentation. Common situations that are considered include loss of employment, reduction in income, unreimbursed medical/dental expenses, divorce and death.
Apply for Aid - FAFSA
Financial Aid Basics