Financial Aid
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Explore financial aid opportunities at ECC
The staff accepts financial aid forms and documents via email (financialaid@elgin.edu), fax at 847-608-5460, and mail, or they can be dropped off during office hours in Building B, Room B156. If you are not eligible for a grant and need a student loan, please email financialaid@elgin.edu. We can answer questions about your financial aid and contact you directly.
If you are awarded a Foundation or Board of Trustees Academic scholarship, you will receive an email confirming which scholarship(s) you receive and the amount(s). Applications are still being accepted, and you can visit the scholarship page to apply.
Both full-time and part-time students may qualify to receive financial aid.
Important Information
Submit Your FAFSA®
Starting December 1st, 2024, the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available to complete at studentaid.gov.
This will determine what financial aid grants, student loans, and federal work-study jobs you may be eligible to receive.
If you are applying for financial aid for the current 2024-2025 year, please complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
If you need help completing your FAFSA, stop by the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office in Building B, Room B156, and we will be happy to assist you. Remote assistance is also available. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call us at 847-214-7360 or email financialaid@elgin.edu.
We encourage you to stop by one hour before the office closes to provide enough time to complete your FAFSA.
The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is accessible for the 2025-2026 academic year through the following links: English and Spanish. Undocumented students meeting the criteria of the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act may file this application. Further details are provided on the RISE Act page, available in English and Spanish.
Funds Available
Elgin Community College has received additional funding to help students reach their educational goals. To help us determine your eligibility, all students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA for the upcoming school year. The Alternative Application for State Aid is available for qualifying undocumented students. For assistance, call 847-214-7360.
Income & Tax Information
Students will report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. You (and your parents, if applicable) will need to use the 2023 income tax information to fill out the new 2025-2026 FAFSA. If you or your family's financial situation has changed significantly from what was reflected on your 2023 tax returns (for example, if you've lost a job or otherwise experienced a reduction in income), please notify the financial aid office at financialaid@elgin.edu to see if you may be eligible for a financial aid adjustment.
Here’s a summary of key dates for submitting the FAFSA, depending on when you plan to go to school:
| If you plan to attend ECC during: | You will submit this FAFSA: | You can submit the FAFSA beginning: | Using Income & Tax info from: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 | 2024-2025 | December 31, 2023 | 2022 |
| Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026 | 2025-2026 | December 1st, 2024 | 2023 |
How to Apply for Financial Aid
ECC connects approximately 5,000 students to over $16 million in financial aid each year. Learn more about how you can apply for financial aid today.
Additional information
Types of Financial Aid
Student Employment Programs
Starting January 1, 2025, student workers will be paid $15 per hour. Review the policies and procedures to receive financial aid.
Financial Aid 101
Contact
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Building B, Room B156
847-214-7360
Fax: 847-608-5460
financialaid@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Friday: Closed
*Closed Wednesdays: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Contact
Student Accounts
Building B, Room B151
847-214-7380
Fax: 847-214-7445
studentaccounts@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
**Closed Wednesdays 2 pm to 3 pm