SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Did you know that 85% of all first-year college students in 2023 receive some sort of financial aid to help them with the high costs of attending college? You don't have to (and shouldn't) pay for college all by yourself. There are many ways students can get money to help pay for college in the form of financial aid.

Click here for our List of Local Scholarships

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships (academic, merit, athletic, talent) - money based on accomplishments that is usually paid directly to the college. These funds are not paid back. Examples include a Dean's Scholarship, Music Talent Scholarship or Athletic Scholarship.

Grants (state, federal or school-based) - money based on need that is not paid back. Examples include the Federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant.

Student Loans (subsidized loan, unsubsidized loan) - money offered by the US Department of Education (or private loan servicer) based on qualifying need. Student loans must be repaid.

Parent Loans (PLUS loan) - money offered to parents by the US Department of Education based on qualifying need to help pay for their child's college costs. Parent loans must be repaid.

Work-Study - federal work program through which undergraduates and graduate students at participating schools earn money to help pay for school.

Financial Aid Steps

  1. Submit your college applications.

  2. Complete & Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

  3. Search for scholarships (safe & reputable links on this page)

  4. Review "Award Letter" and financial aid information when received by colleges

  5. Accept an offer & make a decision on what school to attend

Helpful Reminders & Tips

  1. Never pay for a scholarship application!

  2. The FAFSA is FREE to complete. Do not complete it on sites requiring payment.

  3. When the FAFSA becomes available (December 2023), complete it early and don't wait.

  4. You can list up to 10 colleges of your choice on your FAFSA. You should list all schools you are potentially interested in attending because these colleges will receive your FAFSA results to determine how much financial aid you qualify for.

  5. Beware of scams about scholarships and free money! If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Speak to your counselor if you have questions.

Upcoming Events & Information

  • FAFSA Workshop Wed, Feb 7 at 5:30PM in the high school cafeteria

  • The 2024-25 FAFSA is now available. All students planning on attending college next school year should complete the FAFSA here.