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ISAC College Smart Fair Set for Wednesday, April 6
Chicago, Ill. - Learn about the ins and outs of paying for a college education at the ISAC College Smart Fair on Wednesday, April 6, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, sponsored in part by ATG Credit, LLC.
Experts will be on hand to discuss everything from beginning the college selection process to navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to financial aid, student billing and money management. Financial aid representatives from area colleges and universities will also be available to answer questions.
“The College Smart Fair offers students of really any age and their families the opportunity to explore and ask questions about how to choose a college, and, of course, how to pay for it,” said Russell Goeltenbodt, financial literacy specialist with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Three tracks are available: Junior High School and High School Students (Freshmen–Juniors), High School Seniors and Parents/Returning College Students. Sessions will also be available in Spanish. Additionally, representatives from the College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program will be on hand to discuss how the program can help make paying for college more affordable.
To register, send an e-mail with your name, year in school/school name (if applicable) and the number of people attending to rgoeltenbodt@isac.org.
Session Descriptions
Beginning the College Process
Want to go to college? Where do you begin? Learn techniques and steps on how to begin the process of visiting and learning about colleges. Hear from experts on where to look for scholarship opportunities and a step-by-step timeline for overall prospective students.
Student Panel
Hear from current students of successful ways they have managed their finances while in school and tips students can take with them on their educational journey.
Parent Panel
Hear from parents of current students, Department of Education, and IRS representatives of successful strategies to manage financial deadlines and the stress of financing their children’s education.
Financial Aid 101
Financial Aid can be a very confusing process for each student/parent. Financial Aid experts will be available to walk through a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), discuss the differences between grants, scholarships, and loans, and answer any specific financial aid questions from participants.
College Financial Journey
When are payments due? Do you have a payment plan? How will I know if my financial aid is pending? Understanding the billing and payment process at your college of choice is crucial to your success. Hear from industry professionals on what questions to ask your college’s Student Accounts and Financial aid office, an example of what a bill looks like, what forms of payments are typically accepted, how the payment process links to financial aid, and the importance of the privacy of your information.
Financing Adult Education and Graduate School
Adults returning to school for an Associate, or Bachelor’s Degree, or a degree in Graduate Studies. It’s never too late in life to begin your college education or to return to college to complete your degree. One of the fastest growing college-bound groups today is adults over the age of 24. This group is referred to as adult learners or non-traditional students. This session will provide information for financing education for Adult learners seeking Associates, Bachelors, and Graduate degrees. Even though, the policies may differ for these groups of students, there is assistance available to finance their education. We will explore the financial aid application process and discuss the availability for free money , and the responsibilities involved with applying for a minimum in student loans.
*Student Account and Financial Aid Representatives from various colleges and organizations will be available to answer general financial questions on the Main Floor Lobby – 9am-4pm*
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