FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
LHS Class of 2024
✅ General Information - Financial Aid ✅
In order to meet Illinois graduation requirements, seniors must complete one of the following:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application If you plan to complete the FAFSA, which opened in late December, we encourage you to do so by early March.
D128 FAFSA Nonparticipation Form - If you do NOT plan to complete the FAFSA, please complete the nonparticipation form by May 1, 2024.
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid - This application, which has not yet opened for current seniors, allows undocumented students and transgender students to qualify for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible in-state colleges and universities, and career education programs.
Please refer to the links, videos and fast facts shared here to inform yourself of financial aid processes and tasks that will be required to help your LHS Senior meet post-LHS goals.
- Financial Aid Fast Facts - Class of 2024
- LHS Financial Aid Process - Step by step how-to directions
- Common App - Paying For College Resources
- What's Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA?
- What do I need to complete the FAFSA?
- The class of 2024 will report 2022 tax information.
- If parents are separated or divorced, the parent who provides the most financial support will complete the FAFSA parent section.
- What is the CSS Profile?
- Do I need to complete the CSS Profile?
- Where can I find local scholarships?
- What about national scholarships?
- Where can I evaluate college costs before I receive my financial aid package?
⏳October-November Action Steps⏳
Even if the FAFSA doesn't open until December, students and families can still
take action around the cost for college.
What Can I Do Now?
- Submit your application by or on November 1st through Early Action, Regular Decision or Rolling Admission application processes. Applying early to your researched list of colleges is the best way to secure available merit funds.
- Many colleges and universities alert you to merit awards with their decision notifications, but some email you links or directions for how to apply after you are admitted; pay attention to your email and all communication from your colleges so that you don't miss out on a scholarship opportunity!
- Do any colleges on your list require the CSS Profile? If so, plan to submit the CSS Profile by November 1.
- For FAFSA preparation, seniors and senior parents can create their FSA ID now.
- If you are curious about predicted costs, complete a Net Price Calculator for your schools or interest and/or contact specific financial aid offices to discuss costs, scholarships and other questions.
- Once your applications are complete, keep an eye on the D128 Scholarship database and explore third party scholarship searches such as Fastweb or Going Merry; the LHS general scholarship application will be advertised and open in December.