Financial Aid is a federally funded program. To qualify, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The federal government prefers the online version, and you will get a faster response if you file online. You can fill out the FAFSA beginning on October 1st of your senior year.
IT IS BEST TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA BEFORE THANKSGIVING BREAK! Do not wait until April to complete your FAFSA. Many colleges have deadlines for financial aid, and the money will get allocated to those who apply early. Yes, certain opportunities for free money do run out!
1. Create an FSA ID – The FSA ID is your electronic passport to federal student aid online. An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). In order to create an FSA ID, please go to https://fsaid.ed.gov
To access an instructional video on how to create an FSA ID, click below:
2. GO TO FAFSA.GOV – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October 1st of your senior year.
Click below for a video on how to fill out the FAFSA:
Need help with financial aid? Attend the Maine Township programs to get a clear understanding of what financial aid involves and how to apply. Financial Aid Planning Night @ Maine South – 3/4/19 3 sessions to choose from:
1. College Financial Aid: Plan Ahead! – For parents of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors2. Habrá una sessión de ayuda financiera en español3. FAFSA – Line By Line – for parents of seniors
Need help completing your FAFSA on the Web? Get help from the experts. Participate in one of these free workshops:
These workshops are for seniors and their parents only
You can also make an appointment with Mr. Weber to complete your FAFSA at another time if you cannot attend one of the workshops above. Make an appointment at calendly.com/maineeastccrc
Material to bring for FAFSA Completion Workshop
- FSA ID (studentaid.ed.gov) – one for the student and one for the parent(s)
- Driver’s License (student)
- Social Security Number (student and parents)
- If not a U.S. citizen, Alien Registration Number (student)
- Copies of 2018 income tax returns
(i.e. 1040, 1040EZ-students and parents)
- Copies of 2018 W-2 forms (student and parents)
- Copies of any bank statements (student and parents)
- Records of business, farm, and/or assets (stocks, bonds, and other investments)
- Current mortgage statements for properties other than the family’s principal residence
A representative from ISAC will be available to answer questions and assist with your FAFSA.
www.fafsa.ed.gov – The Federal Government’s website for the Free Application for Federal Student Aidwww.studentaid.ed.gov – The Department of Education’s informational website for planning for and funding post-high school educationwww.collegeillinois.org – The State of Illinois’ website for students and parents. It has resources on many different topics related to college planning and paying for college.studentaid.ed.gov – Get your pin number for the FAFSA on the Web.http://mappingyourfuture.org/paying/debtwizard/index.cfm – How much debt is safe for college loans? Look at this website for information.
www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide – A comprehensive guide about federal student aid programs. It is available in English and Spanish.
College Resources for Hispanic Students Provides a variety of resources for students and their parents. These include scholarships, undocumented students, first-generation students, and more.
Colleges that Meet 100% Financial Need – A comprehensive list of the colleges and universities that are committed to meeting every student’s financial need.
12 Common FAFSA Mistakes – Learn from other’s past mistakes and ensure your FAFSA process is smooth.
District 207 Scholarship Database – Find local and national scholarships in this google doc.