FAFSA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

Illinois requires all public high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if applicable, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as a graduation requirement (Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/22-87, Sec. 22-87).

To meet graduation requirements students must complete one of the following:

1. FAFSA
   The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.

2. Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
   The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs.
   
   The pre-screening questions in the application will help you determine if you are qualifying undocumented student who is not eligible for federal financial aid.

3. NonParticipation Form
   Alternatively, a parent/guardian must file a waiver if they choose to opt a child out of this graduation requirement by completing the Nonparticipation form; students who are least 18 years of age or legally emancipated may complete the form themselves.

ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FOR ILLINOIS FINANCIAL AID

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs.

The pre-screening questions in the application will help you determine if you are a qualifying undocumented student who is not eligible for federal financial aid.

See the Alternative Application User Guide on the ISAC website for more information.

NONPARTICIPATION FORM

A parent/guardian must submit a waiver to opt a student out of the FAFSA completion graduation requirement by completing an online NonParticipation Form. Students who are 18 years or older or legally emancipated may complete the form on their own.

To complete the online NonParticipation Form through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website, you must first create an ISAC account to access the student portal.