Financial Aid Links

College Zone: Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is a one-stop financial aid center, offering a comprehensive array of programs and services. At every stage of the financial aid process, ISAC is there, acting as a centralized source of information and guidance.

FAFSA: The U. S. Department of Education's fastest way to apply for federal student aid.

FAFSA Pin: This is the site both parents and students will need to complete to file for a pin. This pin is needed to complete the FAFSA.

Student Aid Estimator: This site provides an early estimate of Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges and universities use this number to help determine the financial aid package.

7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA: This is a step by step video guide provided by the University of Santa Barbra. These seven videos will walk you through the FAFSA and goes over commonly asked questions parents and students may have.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: The PROFILE is another financial aid application. This is only required by certain colleges, and there is a fee associated with this application. This offers schools a more in-depth look into a family’s finances

FastWeb: Students may register for scholarship information at Fastweb, one of the internet's largest free scholarship search sites.

FinAid: This page (sponsored by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) provides links to many sources of information about student financial aid. It also includes a Scholarship Scam Alert with important information about how to avoid them.

Mapping Your Future: This extensive site provides information and links to a variety of college and career planning organizations. It is sponsored by a group of guaranty agencies that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) which is committed to providing information about higher education and career opportunities.

ed.gov: The U.S. Department of Education along with other federal agencies provides this site to give students access to information about financial aid, career development, education planning, consumer protection, and a wide variety of other topics.

Sallie Mae: Provides searchable databases including information about scholarships, fellowships, grants, work study, loan programs, tuition waivers, internships, competitions, and cooperative work programs. Also has a link to Study Abroad programs.

Student Scholarships: Provides a searchable database of scholarships for students. Also provides a section with career and salary information.

Net Price Calculator: This is a tool that can help ESTIMATE the cost of college for a specific college or university. As mandated by the federal government, every college must have this on their website. (The link will take you to the Illinois State University’s net price calculator just to show a sample)