Financial Aid Comes in Many Forms

Over 50% of ECC students receive some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of college. Keith Schwartz, ECC’s director of financial aid and scholarships, says the first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schwartz and his team assist students one-on one and connected them to more than $16 million in financial aid last year.

Financial aid comes in three main types: grants, loans, and work-study. Grants, like federal Pell Grants or Illinois MAP Grants, generally don’t need to be repaid. Students may also be eligible for low-interest loans, which are repaid after leaving school. Schwartz emphasizes ECC’s commitment to affordability and helping students minimize loan debt, which has decreased by 80% over the past 17 years.

Another possibility is work-study programs, which provide flexible jobs that fit around classes. “Work-study students earn a paycheck while working on campus,” explained Schwartz. “These jobs help pay for college, offer professional references, and look great on a resume.” ECC employs over 100 work-study students annually.

Lastly, scholarships are an excellent way to fund your education without repayment. “The ECC Foundation offers dozens of scholarships supported by hundreds of generous donors,” Schwartz said. “Every student should complete the short application because they want to award those funds, and it can make a world of difference.”

For help navigating financial aid, contact ECC’s Financial Aid Office at 847-214-7360 or visit elgin.edu/financialaid. Our website can be viewed in Spanish—just click Español at the top of the page.