Understanding FAFSA and the Illinois Alternative Application

• FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• It’s a free form you fill out to get money for college or trade school.
• The government, the state, and colleges use your FAFSA to decide how much financial aid you can receive — things like:
   
• Grants: Free money you don’t have to pay back
• Scholarships: Awards for your achievements or background
• Work-Study: A part-time job on campus
• Loans: Money you can borrow and pay back later

In short: The FAFSA helps make college affordable. Without it, you might miss out on thousands of dollars.

Completing the FAFSA can help students:

• Access free money (grants & scholarships)
   
• Reduce out-of-pocket college costs
   
• Qualify for work-study opportunities
   
• Keep options open—even if plans change
   

You do NOT need to know where you are going to school to complete the FAFSA.

All graduating seniors are expected to:

• Complete the FAFSA, OR
   
• Submit a FAFSA Waiver (opt-out form)

This is an Illinois graduation requirement. 

Students may complete a FAFSA waiver who plan to do one of the following…

• Enter the workforce
   
• Join the military
   
• Attend a trade or apprenticeship program that doesn’t accept FAFSA aid

Completing a waiver confirms your choice and meets the graduation requirement.  It still is recommended that students complete the FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application to maximize opportunities for financial assistance for postsecondary education.

FAFSA waiver can be completed online and can be found at the ISAC website here.

FAFSA Nonparticipation Form Frequently Asked Questions

ISAC INFORMATION

• Illinois created the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (also called the RISE Act) just for these students.
• It allows undocumented students, DACA recipients, and some mixed-status families to get state grants and scholarships — especially the MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program). 
• To be eligible for the IL Alternative application must: 
  • Reside with a parent or guardian while attending an Illinois high school and not establishing residency outside Illinois.
  • Graduate from an Illinois high school or receive an equivalent diploma in Illinois.
  • Attend school in Illinois for at least three years as of high school graduation or equivalent completion.
  • Agree by signing the application, to file an application to become a permanent resident when eligible.
  • Meet other specific requirements for the state aid program, such as demonstrating financial need for the MAP grant

In short: If you’re not eligible for FAFSA, the Illinois Alternative Application gives you another way to get college money.

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Whether your student's plan is college, an apprenticeship, the military, or another post-secondary pathway, the Joliet Township High School District 204 Financial Fit Plus Program can help your family make informed financial decisions. This free, interactive program from Pathways Planning & Insights provides short videos, live Q&A sessions, planning tools, workbooks, and personalized resources to help families find a path that aligns with both their student's goals and their financial situation. The program is available to families of students in all grade levels, and we encourage families to begin planning as early as 9th grade. Starting early gives students and families more time to explore options, understand costs, and make informed decisions that support both future goals and long-term financial well-being.