The financial aid process begins with the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA will automatically be sent to the State of Illinois for Illinois residents who list an Illinois school on the FAFSA.
Before You Apply
- Get a PIN, a personal identification number. www.pin.ed.gov
If you are providing parent information, one of your parents must also sign the FAFSA. To sign electronically, your parent will need a PIN. Do I need parent Information? - Gather information to apply. Estimate your information and make a correction when taxes are completed. Use the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet available at www.fafsa.ed.gov or in the Student Services Center.
- Be aware of deadlines.
Apply for FAFSA
- Apply online for FAFSA or call 1-800-4-FED-AID
- Enter all necessary information on FREE website. Use help links.
- Richland Community College's federal code is 010879.
- Submit your FAFSA. Keep your confirmation number. It tells you that your FAFSA was submitted successfully.
Follow Up on Your FAFSA
- You will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail or email. Check for any errors and correct on FAFSA website or in the financial aid office.
- If you do not hear from FAFSA within 3 weeks, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select "Check the Status of a Submitted FAFSA."
- Richland Community College will send you a response to your FAFSA if you list Richland as one of your schools.
- You may be asked to submit documents to the Financial Aid Office to verify your FAFSA. It is important to submit them promptly.
