Applying for Financial Aid
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The is the application used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and some institutional financial aid for college or career school. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Students complete the FAFSA each academic year to apply for financial aid programs such as the , federal student loans, and work-study. The information provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate the which helps schools determine a student’s financial need and aid eligibility.
Steps to Apply for Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Create Your FSA ID
ID at studentaid.gov website. This username and password allows you to sign and submit your financial aid application.Complete the FAFSA
Submit the through studentaid.gov and include 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ federal school code: 001728.Submit Required Documents via Experience Portal
After submitting the FAFSA, check your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Experience Portal for any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office. You may review and submit your documents to your .Monitor your Financial Aid Document Center
Once your file is complete, the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility and provide a financial aid offer outlining the types and amounts of aid you may receive.Accept and Monitor Your Aid Disbursements
Log in to your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Experience Portal regularly to accept your awards, review your financial aid status, and monitor any updates to your account.
What is the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for all forms of state financial aid. provides a way for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students. For eligible students, the Alternative Application is also part of the application process for the Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program (visit the page of this website for more information).
Steps to Apply for Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
Determine Eligibility
Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for state financial aid through the under the RISE Act.Complete the Alternative Application
Submit the online through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website.List Your College
Select your college on the application so your information can be sent to the school’s Financial Aid Office for review.Submit Any Requested Documents
Monitor your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Experience Portal for any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office to complete your file.Review Your Award Notification
Once your application is processed and your file is complete, the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility and notify you of any state financial aid awards you may receive.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for federal student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students must meet general requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. This includes being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, having a high school diploma or equivalent, enrolling in an eligible degree or certificate program, and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Additional requirements may apply depending on the type of aid awarded.
Understanding Your Offer Letter
To better understand your offer letter, watch the video below (available in English and Spanish):
Disbursements
Aid disbursement is the process where a 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Financial Aid Office credits a student's account using financial aid funds. This occurs 30 days after the start of each semester. Student are notified immediately after crediting account, confirming the amount and timing of the funds.