Illinois and Federal Financial Aid Programs

The State of Illinois and federal government offer many programs and services that deliver financial aid to students in Illinois. Below are some of the financial aid programs available. Be sure to research these programs before finalizing your financial aid path. Also, see the links at the bottom of the page for more information about financial aid.

Scholarship Programs

• Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
• Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) Program (formerly the David A. DeBolt Teacher Shortage Scholarship Program)
• Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program
• Nurse Educator Scholarship Program (NESP)
• General Assembly Scholarship
• MIA/POW Scholarship
• Department of Rehabilitation Services Education Benefits
• Medical Student Scholarship Program
• Nursing Education Scholarship Program
• Allied Health Care Professional Scholarship Program

Many other scholarships are available, as well. The Internet is a great resource for scholarship information and applications. The list below offers some places to start. But remember to watch out for financial aid scams.

• srnexpress.com/
• scholarships.com/
• fastaid.com
• petersons.com/finaid

Grants and Work-Study

• Federal Work-Study
• Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program
• Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program
• Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers
• Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers
• Bonus Incentive Grant (BIG)
• Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Loan Programs

• Federal Stafford Loan Program
• Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) or Federal Direct Loan Program
• Alternative Loans
• Federal Perkins Loan

Loan Repayment/Forgiveness Programs

• Child Welfare Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Illinois Teachers and Child Care Providers Loan Repayment Program
• Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program
• Veterans' Home Nurse Loan Repayment Program

Also sponsored by the State of Illinois:

Illinois College Savings Bond (College Savings Bonds are tax-exempt, zero-coupon bonds issued by the State of Illinois. They provide individual investors with long-term investments to help fund college expenses.)

Education & Training Voucher (ETV) Program (Assists youth: for whom the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is legally responsible; who aged out of care at age 18 or older; or, who achieved permanency at age 16 or older through either subsidized guardianship or adoption. Covers post-secondary education related expenses not covered by financial aid grants.)

More links for financial aid information:

• studentaid.ed.gov For information about financial assistance programs.
• ncaa.org For athletes interested in financial aid.
• finaid.org For information about financial aid.
• MappingYourFuture.org For information about paying for school.
• collegeboard.com To help you prepare for the cost of college.
• studentaid.ed.gov (The Student Guide) For information on financial aid and how to apply for it.
• act.org For help getting into college
• fastweb.com For help finding money for college.
• srnexpress.com To search over 8,000 scholarship programs.
• scholarships.com To search for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
• fastaid.com To browse and learn about financial aid programs.
• petersons.com/finaid To browse and learn about financial aid programs.