FAFSA
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2019
Each student planning to further their education should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. Most students will need some additional financial aid outside of family/personal contribution, scholarships, and grants. The FAFSA is a means to gain the additional cost of college for you/your student. The application determines your eligibility for a federal student loan. There are various factors that help determine your estimated family contribution (EFC) as well as what the student can be eligible for in a loan. Even if your student is planning to not have a loan for their schooling, many scholarships and grants will ask for your EFC- which is obtained by filling out a FAFSA.
Also- starting NEXT school year 2020-2021 the FAFSA will be an Illinois graduation requirement for each senior.
Getting started on the FAFSA:
- Fill out the application as close to October 1st as possible.
- Obtain an FSA ID (this will serve as your electronic signature for the online FAFSA application). You can obtain a FSA ID here: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
- Begin the FAFSA application. Link to application: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
- Ensure all parts are filled out correctly (including the schools your student is interested attending) and submit!
FAFSA TIPS:
*See attached picture*
*Each student needs their own FSA ID**If you have a FSA ID (parent) from helping another child, you may use your already made ID for this child too*
Click here for FAQ "After filling out the FAFSA" https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps
Local College financial aid offices are here to help! Call Jayne Schreck (Monmouth College): 309-457-2129, Carl Sandburg College Financial Aid Office: 309-341-5283 (your student does NOT have to be attending/planning to attend college at either of these locations for free help with the FAFSA)
