Once you have followed the steps in our financial aid checklist, you will receive an award letter. Your award letter may include one or more of the following awards and is based on full-time attendance. See the list below if you have questions about a specific award on your letter. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your Student Aid Report (SAR) for the 2007-2008 award year determines your eligibility. The EFC is based on a formula derived from the federal government.
See the glossary or Financial Aid FAQ for additional help.
Grants and Award Programs Available:
Pell Grant
- Grant available to undergraduates that does not have to be repaid. It can be used for tuition, fees, books and living expenses.
- Based on EFC (0 – 4141) and enrollment for the semester. Maximum annual award is $4,731.
- Deadline: June 30, 2009
- Refund checks are released at the 60% point in each semester and are based on balance remaining after tuition, fees, and book charges. Also, amount is subject to enrolled hours at that point.
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Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
- Grant available to Pell Grant recipients that have taken a rigorous high school preparation.
- Minimum 3.00 G.P.A.
- $750 - $1,300
- Deadline: June 30, 2009
- Refund checks are released at the 60% point in each semester and are based on balance remaining after tuition, fees, and book charges. Also, amount is subject to enrolled hours at that point.
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Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Campus-based grant awarded to undergraduates that does not have to be repaid. It can be used for the same expenses as the Pell Grant.
- Based on EFC for 2008-2009 award year and enrollment. Maximum annual award $600. Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
- Priority date is May 1, 2008. Students who have complete files and financial need by this date are first considerations.
- Refund checks are released at the 60% point in each semester and are based on balance remaining after tuition, fees and book charges. Also, amount is subject to enrolled hours at that point.
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Federal Work Study (FWS)
- See the student employment page for information on employment options and procedures.
- Based on EFC and enrolled in 6 credit hours.
- Priority date is May 1, 2008. Students who have complete files and financial need by this date are first considerations.
- Paid every two weeks in conjunction with the regular college payroll.
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Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program (ISAC MAP)
- Illinois state grant available to undergraduate students that does not have to be repaid. Is used for tuition and fees, excluding course fees at JJC.
- Based on EFC, state calculation and Illinois residency. Award amounts may vary from $300 to $2022 (up to 16 credit hours at JJC). Amounts are subject to change due to state funding.
- Application priority consideration for continuing students is Aug. 15, 2008 and first-time applicants are Sept. 30, 2008. Subject to change due to state funding. It is in your best interest to apply early.
- Funds are directly credited to student's account for tuition and applicable fees.
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Illinois Incentive for Access Grant (IIA)
- Illinois supplemental grant available to undergraduate freshmen students with an EFC of 0. Minimum 6 hours billed required.
- One time award of $250 per semester with a total maximum award of $500.
- Deadline dates vary.
- Funds disbursed to student after Pell and SEOG programs are refunded first.
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Federal Direct Student Loans: Entrance Counseling
Before receiving a student loan, borrowers must complete an entrance counseling session (located at the U.S. Department of Education Web site). This 20-30 minute interactive counseling session provides useful tips and tools to help you develop a budget for managing your educational expenses and helps you to understand your loan responsibilities. After completing your entrance loan counseling you may request a loan application from the Financial Aid Office.
If you are delinquent, eligible for a deferment, or are inquiring about your account you may call the Direct Loan Servicer at (800) 848-0979.