The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now available for IVCC to apply.   

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form students can complete to see if they are eligible for financial aid for college.  

 This is used by colleges and the U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.  

FAFSA can be completed on studentaid.gov.   

According to Isamar Taylor, IVCC’s director of financial aid, “most students are eligible if they are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have a valid Social Security number, and are enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible college or career program.”  

 Students are also required to meet basic academic requirements set by their school.  

If students need guidance to complete this form, they can get help from their college financial aid office, counselors, or through the Federal Student Aid Help Center at studentaid.gov.  

Those who complete FAFSA can qualify for Federal grants, State grants, college scholarships, federal work-study jobs, and federal student loans.  

Students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA application as soon as it opens each year, which is usually for the following academic year Oct. 10, 

According to Taylor, some financial aid programs, such as the state of Illinois MAP grant, have a first come first serve basis. Submitting early increases a student’s chances of receiving the most financial aid available.

Students usually receive a financial aid offer from their college after the school processes their FAFSA.   If a student is selected for verification, they must submit additional documents before their aid can be finalized. According to Federal Student Aid, “an email from the FAFSA website confirms submission.” However, it does not mean aid has been awarded until the college sends an official offer.