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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Dec 23
One Time Holiday - All Campus Offices are Closed
Dec 24
Suspended Operations - All Campus Offices are Closed
Dec 25
Christmas Day Holiday - All Campus Offices are Closed
Dec 26
Suspended Operations - All Campus Offices are Closed
Dec 27
Suspended Operations - All Campus Offices are Closed

Applying for Financial Aid

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for financial aid. The FAFSA is the single application to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid, including grants, student loans, work study and some scholarships.

The FAFSA for the 2024-25 award year is available through June 30, 2025 and can be completed online at studentaid.gov. The 2024-25 award year includes Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. Tax information from 2022 is used to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA. Be sure to include John A. Logan College’s federal school code 008076 when completing the FAFSA.

The FAFSA for the 2025-26 award year is available starting December 1, 2024 and can be completed online at studentaid.gov. The 2025-26 award year includes Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026. Tax information from 2023 is used to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA.

Every Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) needs to be signed with both a student and a contributor (for dependent students) FSA ID. This ID is a safe and secure way to electronically sign the financial aid application. Students must sign in with their FSA ID to start a FAFSA application. Students who do not have an FSA ID will be directed to complete this step before completing the FAFSA.

Once the FAFSA is submitted, the federal government will process it, and you can access the FAFSA Submission Summary on the Dashboard of your FAFSA account within 1-3 business days. Please review the FAFSA Submission Summary to make sure the information reported on the FAFSA is accurate. Only you, the student, can access the FAFSA Submission Summary – not your form contributors.

John A. Logan College receives FAFSA information electronically. In a current award year, JALC will receive FAFSA data  within 3 to 5 business days. Upon receipt of the FAFSA data, a financial aid offer will be emailed to the student listing estimated awards and any required documents. If the amount of expected aid is not sufficient to cover all charges for the semester, scholarship or loan options should be explored. In addition, John A. Logan College offers a payment plan through the Bursar’s Office.

Student bills are available on the MyJALC portal after registering for classes. The account information includes itemized charges, expected financial aid and payments. If charges exceed financial aid, the remaining balance will need to be paid. If financial aid exceeds total charges, the student can expect to receive a refund through Nelnet. Refunds are disbursed according to the dates listed on the JALC Financial Aid Website under Important Financial Aid Dates.

Need more assistance? Please visit us on campus in Room C210 or contact us by phone (618) 985-2828, ext. 8308 or email financialaid@jalc.edu.

The federal government provides a Step-by-Step Guide on applying for financial aid, as well as representatives available by phone, email and live chat for additional assistance.

Students apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA using income from two years prior. In some cases, income from two years ago does not accurately reflect the current financial situation of the family. Independent students, or dependent students whose parents were affected by any of the following situations, are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to determine if a Special Circumstance is warranted.

Those situations include:

  • Illness which affected the family’s income
  • Change in employment status, income, or assets
  • Change in housing status (e.g., homelessness)
  • Medical, dental or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
  • Student or Parents’ separation or divorce
  • The death of a family member which has negatively affected the household income.
  • Child or dependent care expenses
  • Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
  • Other changes or adjustments that impact the student’s costs or ability to pay for college

A financial aid counselor will meet with you privately to discuss your situation and determine if you qualify for a Special Circumstance. Students who qualify for a Special Circumstance will be asked to provide documentation, so their financial aid eligibility can be determined based on the current household income.

Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8308, or email financialaid@jalc.edu