FINANCIAL AID PLANNING 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 4Caster - This site provides an early estimate of Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  Colleges and universities use this number to help determine the financial aid package.  Also, much of the information entered on the FAFSA4Caster can later be transferred to the FAFSA itself.

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.

Students.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. 

Managing College Cost - First and only website that offers live seminars combining sound money management principles with a thorough explanation of the system used to access scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Lily’s List - Students can set up accounts on Lily’s List permitting family and friends to make secure, online contributions toward the repayment of the students’ educational loans.