Your path to paying for college: CLC’s top strategies for success

Are you a high school grad? Returning adult student? Veteran? Someone who assumes they won’t qualify for aid? Here is the financial aid approach recommended by College of Lake County (CLC):

✔ Apply early

Some grants have a limited amount of money to give out. If you apply too late, you may miss out. Likewise, missing deadlines may make you ineligible to get financial aid. Important due dates to remember:

FAFSA – June 30
Illinois MAP grant / Alternative application – varies; get details from CLC financial aid experts
CLC Scholarships - Fall semester: July 31, Spring semester: December 31

✔ Be accurate

Typos and mistakes will delay your application. Or prevent you from getting financial aid at all. Make sure data in your CLC records matches what you submit to FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application.

✔ Check your school email

This is where financial aid reminders are sent. Reading your school emails is how you’ll learn that you need more information to complete your application. Log in to your CLC student email account often. The CLC Student Portal also has financial aid reminders and resources.

✔ Tell your story

Apply for 100+ CLC scholarships using one general application. The application isn’t long, but it does ask about you. Take time to tell your personal story. This helps reviewers get to know you and increases your chance of getting a scholarship.

✔ Use free money first

Free money includes grants and scholarships, which you don’t have to repay. On-campus jobs, work-study programs, paid internships and apprenticeships help you earn money to pay for school. Only take on loans, which you must repay with interest, as a last resort.

✔ Borrow only what you need (and only if you need it)

Student loans are a heavy burden to carry. The longer it takes you to pay off the loans, the more it costs you. CLC offers high-quality education at an affordable price. Financial aid can reduce this cost even more. Talk to a CLC financial aid coach to explore ways to pay for college without taking on debt.

✔ Drop or withdraw, if necessary

Have a class that is not what you expect? Are work-life schedules making it difficult to attend? Don’t just walk away from the class or you’ll still have to pay for it.

Check the schedule for drop dates. If necessary, withdraw from the course. “If you discover in the first few classes this is not what you thought, drop or withdraw from the class so you don't have to pay for it,” suggests CLC Financial Aid Compliance Officer Marietta Walker.

✔ Consult a CLC financial aid coach for free

CLC experts will help you navigate the financial aid process. They’ll answer all your questions and provide guidance. Schedule a meeting or walk in during regular business hours. Call (847) 543-2062 or email finaid@clcillinois.edu.

Explore financial aid at CLC

Your first steps: A simple 10-step guide to getting financial aid at CLC

Create your FSA ID (or confirm your Illinois residency for the Alternative Application).

Gather documents: taxes, income records, Social Security number, legal name spelling, etc.

Complete the FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application — as early as possible.

Check your CLC student email for follow-ups or requests.

Meet with a CLC financial aid coach — especially if it's your first time or you're an adult student returning to school.

Complete the CLC scholarship application — and take time on your answers.

Look for external scholarships: employers, community groups, foundations and local organizations.

Consider work-study or on-campus employment for flexible, school-friendly income.

If you’re a veteran or military-affiliated student, submit your Request for Certification. Do this immediately after registering.

Review payment plan options and employer tuition benefits to fill in remaining costs without loans.