Financial Aid & Scholarships
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FAFSA Updates & Resources
Message from FAFSA: "We may occasionally pause access to the FAFSA form to perform maintenance and improve the user experience. Learn more about the 2024–25 FAFSA form."
- 1/31/24 - 2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update & Timeline
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Before starting the FAFSA, students and at least one parent will need to create an FSA ID
- Not sure which parent(s)/guardians are considered "Contributors" and need to create an account? See this flow chart or help article for assistance.
Upcoming FAFSA Workshops:
Senior Seminar - FAFSA Assistance from ISAC | 4th-7th period | College & Career Center
- April 4
- Assistance is available in Spanish
ISAC Afterhours Events
ISAC is offering "Afterhours" Events virtually to assist families with the FAFSA from 5:00-7:00 pm on the following dates:College of Dupage | FAFSA Workshops | Fridays
- College of DuPage will be offering FAFSA Assistance every Friday starting on March 1. These workshops are open to all seniors, regardless if the student plans to attend COD or another college. For more information on dates, times, and locations, click HERE
- Questions? Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (630) 942-2251 or email at financialaid@cod.edu.
Additional Resources
- Pro Tips for Filing the FAFSA
- Creating an FSA ID
- FAFSA Non-Participation Form Instructions
- FSA ID with no SSN Instructions
- Alternative App Guide
- Overview of StudentAid.gov Video
- 2024-25 FAFSA Prototype Preview Video
- Financial Aid Guide
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- FAFSA website
- State law requires all Illinois public high school seniors to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. For students who choose not to file an application, a FAFSA Nonparticipation Form may be signed by a parent or guardian and will be accessible via the ISAC Student Portal after the 2024-25 FAFSA opens.
- IL FAFSA Mandate - more information from ISAC.
Financial Aid Process - ISAC Materials
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
Per the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), "The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students and transgender students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs."CSS Profile
This form is for nonfederal financial aid and may be requested by some colleges and scholarship programs. College Board has a list of participating institutions. However, it is also strongly recommended that students review the requirements for their colleges and scholarship programs to see if the CSS Profile is necessary.
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Scholarships
The list of local scholarships has moved to SchooLinks: Click the "Finances" tab and then "Scholarship Matching." Please check back often for new scholarships. Most local scholarships (LPEF, local PTOs, etc). become available second semester, but outside scholarships have various deadlines throughout the year.Going Merry
Students are also encouraged to create a Going Merry account. This site can be used as a scholarship search/matching service (similar to those listed below). In addition, this website will be used for students to apply for the Lake Park Educational Foundation scholarships. Students should fill out their profiles as completely as possible to be matched with the greatest number of eligible scholarships.To view local scholarships on Going Merry:
- Local Scholarships Link
- Or log into your Going Merry account, then click Menu > Scholarships > Find Scholarships > select the "Show local scholarships only" filter.
Lake Park Educational Foundation (LPEF) Scholarships
- The application deadline for the Class of 2024 has passed.
- Information for the Class of 2025 scholarships will be posted in late December 2024.
- While some scholarships change from year to year, you can view the LP Ed. Foundation Scholarships Information packet for an overview of the Class of 2024 scholarships as a reference.
College Specific Scholarships
Many colleges consider students for automatic, merit-based scholarships based on their application for admission. These types of scholarships do not require a separate application. However, colleges may have additional scholarship opportunities that require separate applications. To search for scholarships that are specific to a particular college or university, review the college or university's website, check your student portal after applying for admission, contact the Admissions or Financial Aid Offices to inquire, and check your email for invitations to apply for additional scholarships.