Financial Aid Workshops and Events

Students who are looking for assistance with completing the 2021-2022 FAFSA can sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Zoom FAFSA Completion Session.  Students are strongly encouraged to have started their FAFSA prior to attending a session. All students are required to have their FSA ID set up prior to attending a session.  Students can set up a FSA ID at studentaid.gov If Dependent, at least one parent must have a FSA ID set up, as well.

• For your 2021-2022 FAFSA, you will need a copy of your 2019 Federal Tax Return, 1040. If dependent, you will also need a copy of your parent's 2019 Federal Tax Return, 1040

Session Dates and Time

• Thursday, July 8: 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 22: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug 5: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 NOTE: After you sign up, you will receive a separate email confirmation with the Zoom link.

Students can also reach out to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, ISAC, Corps member below for one on one help with their FAFSA.

Elizabeth Barrera
Phone (630) 689-7759
email: Elizabeth.Barrera@illinois.gov
Additional Language: Spanish

The Office of Student Financial Assistance will be hosting monthly webinars via Zoom on various financial aid topics. If you are looking to learn more about the financial aid process and scholarships, we encourage you to attend. If you are unable to attend a session, all sessions will be recorded.

Past Session Recordings:

Creating and using your FSA ID - Recorded

Applying for Scholarships - Recorded

Understanding your Award Letter - Recorded

Satisfactory Academic Progress - Recorded

Financial Aid & Paying For Classes - Recorded

Understanding Direct Loans

This session will go over the basics of the Federal Direct Loan Program including types of loans available, repayment options as well as tools for tracking your student loan debt.

Wednesday, July 14 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m

Understanding your Financial Aid Offer Letter

This session will help to breakdown your financial aid offer letter and talk about the types of financial aid.  We will also go over eligibility requirements for each program and how your award may be adjusted based on whether you are a full time or part time student.

Wednesday, July 21 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m

Financial Aid & Purchasing Your Books

This session will go over how students are able to use their available financial aid funds towards the purchase of books in the Bookstore.  This session will also discuss how a student’s bookstore funds are calculated.

Wednesday, Aug.11 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m

Satisfactory Academic Progress

This session will go over the impact dropping classes and failing classes may have on your financial aid eligibility. Students receiving financial aid – whether grants or loans – are required to maintain satisfactory academic standards. 

Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m

Federal Student Aid Account, FSA ID

This session will go over how to set up your Federal Student Aid account.  Students applying for federal student aid – whether grants or loans – will need to set up a Federal Student Aid account.  Students are strongly encouraged to have an account set up prior to completing their FAFSA.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m

FAFSA & Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid Preview   

This session will preview the 2022-2023 FAFSA and 2022-2023 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.  This session will also go over common mistakes and answer your questions. 

Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m