Navigating Financial Aid

Many of you have already completed your financial aid for the year, but the subject bears further investigation because it is so crucial to your college career. The best source of information on financial aid can be found in your college financial aid office. Whether beginning the process or completing your paperwork, it is imperative that you ask questions and keep the financial aid office informed if you plan on dropping or adding classes.

The financial aid application below is referred to as a FAFSA and must be completed for the following:

• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• Pell Grant
• Stafford Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Work Study
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission MAP Grant
• Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Grant

The application requires the previous year’s taxes for students and their parents. Filling out the application as soon after taxes are filed is important because of deadlines. The application may be filed online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov