Grants and Federal Work Study

Federal grants: Financial aid options and resources

When you think of grants, think of gifts! You won’t typically have to repay this type of financial aid. You can use grants to help cover college costs such as tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board and living expenses.

The Pell Grant awards between $692-$6,895 per year to undergraduate students depending on eligibility and level of financial need. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you are eligible. You must fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school to remain eligible for this and any other federal programs.

CLC participates in the Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program. If you are eligible, grant amounts range from $100-$500. There is a capped amount of funds available each year so it’s important you submit your FAFSA as early as possible.

Find more information from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).


FAFSA: Get federal financial aid

The most common types of federal aid are grants (gifts you don’t have to pay back), loans (you pay back, with interest) and work-study (part-time job up to 20 hours per week).

You find out how much of what types of federal aid you are eligible for when you fill out the FAFSA.

Financial aid questions?

Office of Financial Aid
Phone: (847) 543-2062
Email: finaid@clcillinois.edu

State grants: Versatile options & resources

Explore all the ways you may be able to get assistance paying for college—so you can spend less of your own money. There’s more help available than you might think.

To help you get started, we compiled a sampling of state grants for you to consider, though this isn’t a full list of everything available if you attend CLC.

Get paid: Federal work study opportunities

Federal work study allows you to earn money while enrolled in college to help pay your educational expenses. If you are enrolled in 6 or more credits per semester, you may work up to 20 hours per week in the Federal Work-Study program. We offer a wide range of student jobs on campus.

If you’re intrigued yet not quite convinced to participate in work study, here are some things to consider:

  • Make money you can use to pay for college – or on whatever you want!
  • Schedule your work around your classes (instead of the other way around)
  • Build your resume with valuable work experience
  • Save travel time and costs by working where you already go to school