College-Bound? Time to Prepare for Financial Aid Options

(Undated) -- An important window will soon open for Illinois college-bound students who need help paying for tuition. The Free Federal Application for Student Financial Aid, or "FAFSA," determines how much financial aid schools can award based on a family’s financial situation. The application can be filed starting January first and Dr. Laurie Wolfe with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators says preparing now can make the process less stressful. The list of documents includes income tax returns and investment statements. The application deadline is June 30th, but to avoid missing any deadlines for special scholarship programs, Wolfe recommends completion before February 15th.