The Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, in conjunction with other agencies, announces Illinois Financial Aid Awareness Week beginning Monday and lasting through Feb. 11. The week is in support of Illinois’ commitment to higher education by providing financial aid facts to students, families and other interested persons, according to a news release. Anyone interested in a college university of technical education, but who cannot pay the entire cost, may be eligible for federal, state, or local financial aid. Grants, loans and work-study programs are awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need and/or merit, college cost and availability of funds. They may be used for part or full-time study. Two major grants include: the Illinois State Scholarship Commission’s Monetary Award Program (ISSC), that offers up to $2,200 annually towards tuition and fews for Illinois residents attending eligible Illinois institutions; the federal Pell Grant offering up to $1,900 per year toward educational expenses at over 7,000 post high school institutions throughout the United States. Three federal campus-based programs include the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), providing up to $2,000 annually, College Work-Study (CWS), allowing part of the educational expenses to be earned through work, and the National Direct Student Loan (NSDL), paid back at 5 percent interest starting six months after leaving school. In Illinois, all five programs may be applied for by completing only one of three applications. Application for Federal Student Aid (AFSA), Financial Aid Form (FAF), or the Family Financial Statement (FFS). Applicants should contact their high school or college counselor to see which form is required and should apply immediately for the 1984-1985 school year. Three other loan programs are available through direct application to participating banks. The Illinois guaranteed Student Loan Program (KGLP), charges 8 percent interest which begins accumulating when repayment begins six months after leaving school. The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), allows parents to borrow at 12 pe3rcent with repayment starting immediately. The Auxiliary Loan to Assist Students (ALAS), allows borrowing at 12 percent deferring payment of principal but requiring payments while enrolled. During Financial Aid Awareness Week, most communities, high schools and colleges will be sponsoring financial aid presentations. For deadlines and more specific details on federal, state, and local financial aid programs, or to pick up applications contact Canton High School or the financial aid office of the institution the student plans to attend. Spoon River College can also provide information on the various programs for students enrolled at SRC, or who plan to attend. Graham Hospital School of Nursing will have two sessions to assist students in filling out financial aid forms. The sessions will be at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the hospital. Registration is in room 361 of the school of nursing or by calling Louis Benfield at the school.
Graham Hospital School of Nursing Library
