Financing your education doesn’t have to leave you in the dark. Illinois College works to ease your way by answering commonly asked questions about the process of receiving financial aid. If you can’t find the answer to your question, contact us.
Federal Aid
- What is FAFSA?
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for financial aid, such as grants and loans. Because the FAFSA is commonly accepted and widely applicable to the economic needs of students, we strongly suggest you fill it out every year.
- What is the Federal Pell Grant?
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The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to students with very high need. The amount of grant awarded to a student is determined each year is based on the expected family contribution as calculated by the FAFSA.
- What is the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)?
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The FSEOG is awarded to Pell Grant recipients with the highest financial need. The FSEOG amount is determine by Illinois College based on available funding levels.
- What materials will I need to fill out the FAFSA?
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The FAFSA website recommends gathering these documents before you begin:
- Federal student aid ID
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s license number, if applicable
- Tax records
- Record of untaxed income
- Record of your assets
- A list of the schools you are interested in attending, including Illinois College
- When does FAFSA begin taking applications?
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Oct.1. We recommend you send your application to Illinois College as soon as possible.
- Where can I learn more about and apply for FAFSA?
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Visit the FAFSA website.
Additional Sources of Aid
- What are your policies regarding outside grants and scholarships?
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Privately funded grants and scholarships must be included in your financial aid package as a resource. Students should notify the Office of Student Financial Services of any outside scholarships.
Generally, outside scholarships can be used to reduce the amount students and their families are expected to pay. When federal regulations require an adjustment to the aid package, aid will be adjusted in this order: Federal Work Study, Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan, followed by institutional, federal and state gift aid if required.
Outside scholarships will be added to your financial aid and credited to your student account when funds are received.
- What financial aid opportunities do you offer for veterans?
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Illinois College is a proud veteran-friendly school and participates in the following programs:
- Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30 & Chapter 1606)
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)
To learn more about our veteran benefits, visit our Military and Veterans page.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- What is the Illinois MAP Grant?
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The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) is a state fund to benefit legal residents of Illinois. It is a grant based on financial need. Eligibility is determined by the state agency using the information reported on the FAFSA. MAP Grants never have to be repaid. You are not required to submit high school grades or test scores and MAP Grants are not limited to traditional college-age students. MAP Grants only apply for tuition and mandatory fees.
To learn more about MAP Grants, visit their website.
Miscellaneous
- Do you have a way for me to estimate my potential costs and financial aid?
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Yes! Our net price calculator is designed to provide an estimate of how much and what types of financial aid you might qualify for as a full-time Illinois College student. You can try the calculator here.
- How long does it take to get an MSN degree?
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At Illinois College, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree online in 12 to 18 months. We accept up to four transfer credits, which can help you finish in less time.
- What can you do with an MSN degree?
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Our MSN program prepares you to promote improved outcomes in your nursing practice or as a nurse educator. Select the Nursing Leadership/Administration concentration to gain expertise for leadership and management roles where you could improve nursing care in diverse settings. With the Nurse Education concentration, you can learn to apply innovative teaching strategies for equipping the next generation of nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
- What does ESL stand for in education?
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ESL refers to “English as a second language.” In the education field, ESL focuses on helping students whose primary language isn’t English to learn the fundamentals of English speaking, reading and writing. ESL teachers determine students’ language development needs and create a curriculum based on building competency in these areas.
- What is an MSN degree?
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By pursuing an MSN degree, registered nurses can learn advanced nursing concepts and prepare to promote excellence in this field. After earning your MSN, you’ll have qualifications for nurse leader, administrator and educator positions. You’ll need a BSN to join Illinois College’s online MSN program — review the Admission Requirements for more details.
- Why should I get a Master of Science in Nursing degree?
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Illinois College’s online MSN program enables you to promote better patient care in your nursing practice. If you’re interested in nurse leadership, our program can prepare you to sustain a healthy work environment, apply quality principles and act as a change agent within practice settings. You can also graduate ready to educate other nurses in practices for elevating patient-care standards.