“I felt like if I couldn’t go to college, why bother to finish high school? Neither of my parents graduated high school; hard work was valued over a good education. So I dropped out. When I went back to get my G.E.D., an advisor encouraged me to go to college,” Charity said. Charity worked a few different jobs before she went back to school at Heartland Community College. There she found out about financial aid options. She decided to continue her education at Illinois State after receiving an associate’s degree. She is financing the rest of her education with a combination of state and federal grants, student loans, and work study. Charity is confident her hard work will pay off.
-Charity M., Bloomington
Between classes and activities, going out with friends and making time to visit home once in a while, finances aren't always top-of-mind for college students. By partnering with the Financial Aid Office, you can find a way to pay for college with as little stress as possible.
Students must reapply for financial aid each school year by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA regardless of whether or not you received aid last year.
For full consideration, the FAFSA should be submitted to the processor by Illinois State's preferential filing date of March 1.
To continue receiving state and federal financial aid, you must meet the University's Satisfactory Academic Progress standard which includes minimum GPA and completion rate and a maximum timeframe for completing your degree. If you're not meeting the requirements, you should complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form.
Use the following contacts for questions about:
