FASFA
FAFSA Completion is now a REQUIRED step for graduation for all Illinois high school students.
Students who plan to attend any form of education after high school—such as college, community college, or a trade program—it is highly recommended that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and available funds may be depleted quickly. You can access the FAFSA application here:
FAFSA Application
If you are not planning to continue your education after graduation, you must instead complete the online FAFSA Nonparticipation Waiver. The link to the waiver can be found at the bottom of this page:
FAFSA Nonparticipation Waiver
If you need assistance with the online waiver, you can review step-by-step instructions here:
Please complete either the FAFSA or the waiver as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in not being eligible to participate in graduation.
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a form used nationwide to apply for financial aid for college or grad school. The FAFSA form determines most of the aid you’re eligible to receive as a student. Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, provides more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school. The federal government decides who gets how much of that money based on the information included in your FAFSA form. The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state aid, and most colleges also use the form to determine how much private aid to offer prospective students.
If you are thinking about attending college next year, you should complete the FAFSA application as soon as possible after the application opens. The FAFSA application is free; never pay a fee to access or complete your FAFSA application. You can find the official FAFSA website linked above. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now OPEN!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To get started with the FAFSA process, a student and one parent must first set up FSA ID's. An FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Only create an FSA ID using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You are not authorized to create an FSA ID on behalf of someone else, including a family member. To create an FSA ID you will need your social security number and phone number/email.
FAFSA Nonparticipation (Waiver) Form
A parent/guardian must file a waiver if they choose to opt a child out of the FAFSA graduation requirement by
completing the Non-Participation 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 the online Non-Participation form linked above.
Need help with the FAFSA?
The Sauk Valley Community College Financial Aid Office will help you with your FAFSA free of charge, no matter what school you plan to attend. They are your local community college, and they are there to help all in the community. Please call 815-835-6339 to get your questions answered or set up a one-on-one appointment. You can also click on the link to go to their Facebook page.
The Clinton Community College Financial Aid Office is there to help students and parents with their FAFSA applications. Questions will be answered and face-to-face sessions are free and open to everyone, regardless of whether they have already committed to attending EICC or are still considering their options. Many people are surprised to learn they are, indeed, eligible for financial aid. Helpful information to bring with you for a face-to-face meeting includes your (and your parents if considered a dependent) social security number, tax returns (you can also use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to access these online), bank statements, and FSA ID so you can electronically sign the FAFSA form. Financial Aid Specialists can help you create a FSA ID at the session, or you can create one ahead of time by visiting the FSA ID website. To learn more call 1-888-336-3907 or email Clinton Community College Financial Aid.
Check out the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Financial Aid Planning page for information regarding resources that are available to help students complete the financial aid process.
Additional Resources:
Tools for Financing your Education-
- College Budgeting: A Guide for Students
- College is a great time to learn to have a lot of fun without much money. Make your money go further and learn money management skills for life. Check out the website provided by Academic Influence.
- Learn about federal grants, loans, and work study funds:
- The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work study funds for college or career school. They provide more than $120 billion in federal student aid each year to help pay for college or career school. Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. The FSA provides and manages more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans, and work study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or career school
- Paying for school just got easier:
- Fastweb is a site that matches the information you enter in your profile to scholarship, college, job and internship opportunities. You may use the information that Fastweb provides to apply for scholarships, discover prospective colleges, explore internship possibilities or learn about part-time jobs in your area.
- Student Loan Calculator:
- Use this calculator to estimate your monthly payments on a single federal student loan or private student loan, calculate the total payment on multiple student loans at different interest rates, or calculate the total interest you’ll pay.
- Tools to help pay and plan for college:
- When it comes to paying for college, first look for money you won’t have to pay back (scholarships and grants). Then explore federal student loans. Finally, consider a responsible private student loan to cover. Check out this website to help with your financial planning: Sallie Mae.
- Learn about projected college scholarships as early as 9th grade:
- Through RaiseMe, students can start learning about projected personal college scholarships as early as 9th grade for good grades, sports, extracurriculars and other achievements.