Financial aid is a necessity for the more than 70 percent of college students that apply for the FAFSA each year. Below, we break down some facts and stats about the FAFSA (and other types of aid) that might enlighten you as you embark on your financial aid journey this October. 

FACTS

• Fact #1: "Financial aid" is a broad term. It means: student loans, grants, scholarships or paid employment offered to meet college expenses. Financial aid doesn't always mean free money. Learn more.
• Fact #2: If you need help paying for school, it is recommended that you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You'll need to re-fill out the FAFSA for every year you go to school. The application opens in October every year. Learn more. 
• Fact #3: Unless you are emancipated, serving in the military, married or have children that you support (more than 50 percent), if you are 24 or younger, you’ll need your parents’ information in order to fill out the FAFSA. Even if you don’t live with your parents or even if your parents aren’t paying for you to go to school, you are still considered a dependent. Learn more.
• Fact #4: You apply for grants, scholarships and loans at the federal and state level when you fill out the FAFSA. Learn more.
• Fact #5: It's important to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible - financial aid is granted on a first come, first service basis. You want to make sure that you will be considered for federal grants and the MAP grant (Illinois Monetary Assistance grant). The deadline for MAP eligibility varies from year to year. Learn more.

Are you a JJC student or parent who has questions about financial aid? Visit jjc.edu/financial-aid or call (815) 280-2528.

STATS

Are you planning to apply for scholarships? JJC offers awards between $200 and $1,000+. Visit jjc.edu/scholarhips to apply.

Want to learn more? Check out our blog about scholarship myths.

And this is just for the average JJC grad! Alums who go on to pursue careers as diagnostic medical sonographers, computer support specialists and industrial maintenance technicians will make $50,000+ a year.

Check out more in-demand, high paying jobs you can get with an associate degree from JJC.

Applying for the FAFSA can seem intimidating but it's a process many of our students go through each year. Check out our blog on student loan myths. 
 

Need help? Attend a FAFSA Workshop.
Stop by one of JJC’s FAFSA Workshops and we’ll help guide you through the application process, even if you ultimately choose to attend another school. See below for upcoming FAFSA Workshop dates for fall 2018:

• Wednesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. on Main Campus (C-2014 and C-2017)
  • Oct. 10
  • Oct. 17
  • Oct. 24
  • Nov. 7
  • Nov. 14
  • Nov. 28
  • Dec. 5
  • Dec. 12

Related Posts
Common Scholarship Myths: Busted
Student Loan Myths: Busted
5 Reasons Why College is Worth the Money
Money Saving Hacks 
Money Management Tips

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