Types of Aid Available
Whether you're seeking grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study programs, our dedicated
team is here to guide you through the process. Discover the different types of aid
available to support your journey and make college more accessible and affordable.
VA Benefits
For more information on veterans benefits, please visit the Military Student Affairs webpage. For those who qualify, there are several types of financial assistance available to help fund college expenses.
Grants
Grants are forms of financial assistance that do not have to be repaid. They are provided
for students from limited-income families.
Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are available from the federal government and are based upon calculated financial need.
Map Grant
Available to Illinois residents who will attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA or the Alternative Application to Illinois Financial Aid.
For more information on the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, please click here.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time for the SEOG award to post to the account.
The priority deadline is May 1.
Title IV funds are awarded under the assumption that the student will attend school
for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws,
he/she may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds.
Student Loans
Loans are federally or privately funded sources of assistance that must be repaid
with interest. Student loans can be a useful tool in funding your education, but use
them wisely. You should be aware of the responsibility of borrowing money to finance
your education. Per the Federal Default Management Guidelines, students requesting
to borrow student loans must have a completed Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) on file and make an appointment for a loan Entrance Interview with the
loan advisor in the Financial Aid Office.
Any refusal to originate a Direct Loan or reduction in the amount of an individual borrower's eligibility for a Direct Loan will be made on a case-by-case basis. The decision to limit Direct Loan availability will be provided to the student or parent borrower in writing and that documentation supporting the determination will be retained in the student's file at the school.
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree are not eligible for grants.
Federal Stafford Loan Programs
These loans are low-interest loans to help you pay for your college education. There
are two kinds of federal Stafford loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized.
The subsidized loan is based on need, and the government pays the interest while the
student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
The unsubsidized loan is a non-need-based loan for educational expenses. The student
is responsible for the interest upon disbursement.
Dependent Students (except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans). Independent Students (and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans).
Dependent Students: $5,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Independent Students: $9,500—No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Dependent Student: $6,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Independent Students: $10,500—No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
The Federal PLUS Loan is a non-need-based federal program. Parents of a dependent student may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid to help finance their student’s undergraduate education. The loan interest rate is fixed at 8.5 percent.
The Federal Work Study (FWS) program offers on-campus jobs for students while they
pursue their education. It provides valuable job training, skill development, résumé
workshops, and bi-weekly wages—all while helping you focus on your studies.
The FWS coordinator reviews applications and schedules interviews. Selected students
attend orientation, complete hiring paperwork, and meet with Human Resources. Afterward,
students report to their supervisor to set their schedule, working 5 to 20 hours per
week outside class. Timesheets must be signed, submitted on time, and reflect hours
worked for payroll processing.
How to apply for Federal Work Study
Complete and submit a FWS application along with your resume to the Financial Aid
office. Download and complete the FWS Application today! (PDF)
Eligibility:
- FAFSA on file and processed
- Registered for at least 6 credits
- Demonstrated financial need
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Scholarships
Scholarships may be available through local, state, and federal programs.
Types of AidDepartment of Education
Availability varies by term and donor. Information on federal scholarship opportunities
is provided by the U.S. Department of Education through Federal Student Aid
Types of AidFoundation Scholarships
Unlock your future with PSC Foundation Scholarships! Complete the FAFSA, register
for your first degree, and enjoy support in select programs. GPA 2.0+ required. Apply
today and take the next step toward your dreams!
Types of AidCRCP
Discover debt-free education with CRCP! Work part-time at UPS (DACA friendly) while
attending Prairie State. Enjoy paid tuition, fees, textbooks, a weekly paycheck, $300/month
bonus, and free transit. Contact Servelure M. Bostick at smbostick@crcprogram.com
for more information.
