Apply for Aid

Each year, as soon the application becomes available (typically October 1), students should apply for financial aid electronically using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is administered by the Department of Education and used to apply for financial assistance and analyze financial need. Financial need is defined as the difference between the Cost Of Attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI). The funds offered to a student for financing a college education should only be used for educational expenses (or the components included in the COA) which are tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. The SAI results from the information provided on the FAFSA and is the figure used to determine eligibility for need-based aid programs. While financing a college education is the primary responsibility of the student and his/her family, financial assistance is made possible through gift and optional aid.

By submitting the FAFSA, your eligibility for the following programs will be considered at each Illinois Eastern Community College that has received your FAFSA.

• Federal Pell Grant

• Federal Supplement Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Federal Work Study

• Federal Direct Loan

• State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)

Certain eligibility requirements apply for each program. See the Student Financial Aid Handbook for more details.