Whether you’re planning to go to college, are attending now, or have recently graduated, College Zone can help you take all the right steps to make your experiences and transitions go smoothly.

Click on the appropriate link (at left) to identify your current grade or experience level.

Student Message Board

The Student Message Board is updated each week. New messages for the week are identified by the  symbol. Items under the More section, located toward the bottom of the page, provide links to information on topics that were recently listed on this Message Board.

  A news release from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) discusses the tenth annual report to Congress regarding the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000. The September 2011 report outlines how the FTC and U.S. Departments of Education and Justice are working together to combat scholarship and financial aid fraud. There is also an FTC website devoted to the prevention of scholarship scams.

Students and their families who are seeking ways to finance a college education should beware of scams (including attempts at identity theft or fraud). Learn more about financial aid scams at the Federal Trade Commission's Scholarship Scams website. Call the federal Office of Inspector General hotline at 800.MISUSED (647.8733) to report suspected identity theft or fraud. A MISUSED web resource is also available.

In order to receive full-year or fall-only term benefits for the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant Program, a 2011-12 ING Grant Program application must be received at ISAC on or before October 1, 2011.

In order to receive full-year or fall-only term benefits for the 2011-12 Grant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers or Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers, an application must be received at ISAC on or before October 1, 2011. 

A September 2 e-Message announces the launch of a newly redesigned call center for the students and parents who look to ISAC for answers about going to college. The ISAC Call Center, which replaces what was previously known as the College Zone Counselor Unit, is staffed by individuals experienced in all areas of planning and paying for college. While the toll-free number for students and parents (800.899.4722) remains the same, the e-mail address has changed to isac.studentservices@isac.illinois.gov.

The federal Students.gov website will be retired on October 2, 2011. Information regarding where to find the information and resources currently listed on Students.gov is provided at the Website Retiring Notice page.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has partnered with the Illinois Department of Human Services to offer returning adult students an opportunity to participate in a savings program in which each dollar saved is matched by state and federal funds. If you received a call from ISAC or are interested in more information, please e-mail Steven DeJoie (Steven.DeJoie@illinois.gov). Include your phone number and the best time for an ISAC staff member to reach you.

More

2011-12 State Scholars

State Legislative Update

Outreach Calendar/Events

U.S. Department of Education's Federal Aid First

Federal Student Aid's FAFSA4caster