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Illinois Education Today: Free FAFSA Help Expands Statewide
Chicago, IL – Illinois students and families applying for college or financial aid this fall can access free workshops and one on one assistance statewide as October is recognized as Education Matters
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-07T12:11:55.184Z
Chicago, IL – Illinois students and families applying for college or financial aid this fall can access free workshops and one on one assistance statewide as October is recognized as Education Matters Month.
According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed October Education Matters Month as ISAC launched its 2026 Education Matters Illinois Fall Campaign. The initiative, formerly known as the College Changes Everything Fall Campaign, runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving.
ISAC partners with high schools and community organizations during the campaign to provide free college admission and financial aid application workshops. Students can also receive individual assistance from ISAC representatives or schedule virtual appointments with financial aid experts.
The campaign comes as students planning to attend college or vocational school next year prepare to complete the 2027 28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The application determines eligibility for federal student aid and can also help determine access to grants and other assistance, including the federal Pell Grant and Illinois Monetary Award Program Grant.
Qualifying Illinois students who are not eligible for federal financial aid may instead use the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to seek state assistance.
"For over 10 years, the CCE Fall Campaign helped make higher education possible for students through the commitment and collaboration of our school and community partners," ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow said.
Additional free resources include scholarship searches, financial aid planning tools, cost estimators and support for first generation college students. ISAC also provides schools with resources to identify students who have not yet completed a financial aid application.
Families can find upcoming workshops at isac.org/events and additional college and financial aid resources at isac.org.
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