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!

The Center for Economic Progress can help Illinois families qualify and find money for college through our Financial Aid U program. Financial Aid U in Illinois is made possible in part by the Citi Foundation and COUNTRY Financial.  

Thanks to a generous grant from the Citi Foundation, we are also partnering with organizations to offer Financial Aid U in seven cities across the country.

We'll help you through the whole financial aid process in three easy steps:

1. File your taxes. Well 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!

Download a flyer to learn more.

Financial Aid U Partners

If you live in any of these communities and need help with financial aid, please contact our partners and they will be able to assist you.

• Baltimore: Baltimore Cash Campaign
• Long Island: The Health and Welfare Council 
• Miami: The Human Services Coalition 
• Newark: Newark Now
• New York City: The Financial Clinic
• Philadelphia: The Campaign for Working Families
• San Francisco: Tax-Aid

FAFSA Coach Resources

• Partner site intake survey
• Chicagoland site intake survey
• Downstate site intake survey 
• FAFSA only client survey