Applying for federal and state grants starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) administered by the U.S. Department of Education. General Eligibility Requirements must be met for students to be considered for federal and state financial aid programs.
How to Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
1. Gather Information
You will need to have specific information available when completing the FAFSA.
2. Create an FSA ID
If you have not done so already, you will need to create an FSA ID. If you are a dependent
student, a parent will also need to create an FSA ID. An FSA ID is a username and
password.
The FSA ID is used to electronically sign your FAFSA and to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. You will use the same FSA ID to reapply for financial aid each year.
We encourage you to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving assistance.
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every academic year.
Be sure to add Harper College's School Code: 003961 to ensure that your information is sent to Harper.
There are follow-up steps for you to take after completing the FAFSA.
1. Review the Student Aid Report (SAR)
Your SAR will be emailed once you submit the FAFSA. You may also view your SAR at
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If there are any errors or rejections noted on the SAR, promptly follow the instructions
to make the corrections. You may request assistance from Harper College with making
corrections.
2. Complete and Submit Requested Documents to Harper College
We may request additional forms and documents to verify your eligibility and the information
you provided on the FAFSA. You can view your unmet requirements in the Finances tab on the MyHarper Portal. Click on View my Financial Aid Checklist and Details and then select the appropriate aid year. Follow the instructions and include the
required signatures. While reviewing your information, corrections may be required
to your FAFSA and these will be made by the financial aid staff.
3. Read and Accept Terms and Conditions
Every student is required to read and accept the Terms and Conditions in the Finances tab on the MyHarper Portal as part of the financial aid process. Complete Terms and Conditions Online.PDF
4. Receive a Financial Aid Notification
How to Complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a way for these qualified students to apply for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
For more information, go to RISE Act and Alternative Application (ISAC) or apply at Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
