Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative

12/03/2024

All Illinois public high school students are required 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. Please see ISAC's Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative and Financial Aid Application Completion Performance Metrics pages for more information. As a reminder, the 2025-26 FAFSA is now available. ISAC will share more information on the release of the 2025-26 Alternative Application as soon as it becomes available, via the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act page.

Students and/or parents who choose to not complete either the FAFSA or the Alternative Application may complete the Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form online via ISAC's Student Portal. A student and/or parent will need a Student Portal account to complete and sign the Nonparticipation Form.

Federal Student Aid Webinar on December 10

Join Federal Student Aid staff on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, for a webinar designed to guide students (independent and dependent), parents and college/career professionals through submitting the 2025–26 FAFSA form. Help spread the word that online registration is now available for this free event.

ISAC Webinar on December 13

Join ISAC staff on Friday, December 13, 2024 (11-11:45 a.m. CT) for an overview of the Financial Aid Application Completion Initiative. This free resource helps high schools identify students who have and have not completed a financial aid application. Learn how to view your Class of 2025 financial aid application completion data and opt-out form submissions, as well as tips for troubleshooting common issues. Register today by visiting the Upcoming Professional Development Offerings page.

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If you have any questions, please contact School Services by sending an e-mail to isac.schoolservices@illinois.gov or calling 866.247.2172.