Over $4 Million: Total amount of aid available to CEP intake clients who were Pell Eligible in 2010.

FAFSA / Financial Aid U

How will YOU pay for college?


Student aid is available to help you pay for your education. You may even be eligible for grants to cover all of your costs. But you won't know unless you apply!

CEP can help Illinois families qualify and find money for college through our Financial Aid U program.  We'll help you through the financial aid process in three easy steps: 

  1. File your taxes. We'll help you do your taxes for free if your family's income is under $58,000.
  2. File your FAFSA. We'll use the information on you and your parent(s)' tax returns to help you complete your FAFSA and apply for grants, loans and scholarships.
  3. Call with any questions. We're here to answer your questions, even after we've helped you finish the FAFSA!

You can start applying for this money as early as January 1, and it runs out quickly—usually before the end of March—so don't wait! 

Illinois families can call (312) 630-0248 to make an appointment with one of our Financial Aid U coaches today!

Financial Aid U in Illinois is made possible in part by the Citi Foundation and COUNTRY Financial.