Applying for Financial Aid

These are the steps to applying for grants, loans or work-study jobs. Scholarships have a different application process.

Steps in the Application Process

1. If you have not previously done so, complete a Waubonsee New Student Information Form and select an academic program that leads to a degree or certificate. Note: some courses and programs are ineligible for financial aid. You should also view the list of other requirements to receive financial aid.
2. If you have attended another college or university and taken credit classes, have your academic transcripts sent to Waubonsee Community College. Also, complete a Transcript Evaluation Review Form (TERF) (pdf) for each previous school that you have attended.
3. Complete your federal tax returns. If you are applying as a dependent student, your parents should also complete their federal tax returns. Save copies of all tax returns.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov for the appropriate year.  Include the Waubonsee school code, 006931. Once you submit your FAFSA, you need to allow time for the submission of any other required documents before you will have funds available to register without making a payment.
   • When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA), a determination is made, based on federal regulations, of whether or not parental data and signatures are required. If you are required to provide parental information but cannot do so, discuss your situation with a Financial Aid Advisor. 
   • The FAFSA also requires that information for the prior tax year be reported. If there has been a documentable change in the financial circumstances of the student or the student's family since the FAFSA was filed, discuss your situation with a Financial Aid Advisor.
5. Once you have submitted the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report. Review it and be sure to correct any errors. 
6. If you receive correspondence from Waubonsee's Financial Aid Office requesting additional information to complete your application, please respond. Additional information can include tax returns. 
7. Review the award letter and decide if you will accept any loans that are included. If you are accepting loans, you will be required to complete an entrance interview and a Master Promissory Note.