ISAC Student PortalHelpful Links
State of Illinois
This site provides information on living, working, learning, visiting and conducting business in Illinois. The Illinois Government section provides information on local, state and federal government services.
Illinois State Comptroller
As the State's chief fiscal officer, the Comptroller's Office keeps the official record of the State's receipts and payments. Check this site for the status of payments for ISAC programs.
Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
The IBHE was created to plan and coordinate Illinois' system of colleges and universities. The Board’s policy planning responsibility is one of its key functions, which it carries out in a variety of ways, from ad hoc study committees and special task forces to initiatives of the Board's staff.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
The ISBE provides leadership, advocacy, and support for the work of school districts, policymakers and the citizens of Illinois.
Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)
The ICCB serves as the state coordinating board for community colleges and accommodates those State of Illinois initiatives that are appropriate for community colleges.
U.S. Department of Education (ED)
This site provides a wide variety of information on all levels of education for several different audiences including students, parents, teachers and financial aid administrators. Visitors can personalize the site to see the latest information about their favorite topics.
Knowledge Center
A Department of Education website, this online library contains technical publications, regulations and policy guidance on the administration of Federal Student Aid programs. Available resources include the Federal Student Aid Handbook, Action Letters and Dear Partner/Colleague Letters.
National Student Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse, a non-profit organization, streamlines the student record verification process for colleges and universities, students, lending institutions and other organizations. It also maintains a comprehensive electronic registry of student records that provides a single, automated point-of-contact for organizations and individuals requiring timely, accurate verification of student enrollment, degree, and loan data.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
The NSLDS is the U. S. Department of Education’s central database for student aid. It receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Federal Direct Loan Program, the Federal Pell Grant Program, as well as other federal aid programs. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and Pell Grants that are tracked through their entire cycle.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
The federally approved application to be completed by students and their parents to apply for federal and some state financial aid programs.
Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)
Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. The FSA ID is used to authenticate an applicant’s and parent’s identity when accessing student financial aid information and electronically signing Federal Student Aid documents.
Federal School Code Search
The Federal School Code search provides a way to obtain the federal school code for all postsecondary schools (domestic and foreign) that are currently eligible for Title IV aid. The search is intended as a resource for anyone who is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – either via paper or electronically at FAFSA on the Web (FOTW). When answering FAFSA college name and address questions, applicants should use the official Federal School Code and name found in this list to ensure fast and accurate processing.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Internal Service is the nation's tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
Tax Benefits for Education - IRS Publication 970 (enter the number of the publication in the search field)
This publication explains tax benefits that may be available when saving for or paying education costs for yourself or an immediate family member. Most benefits apply only to higher education.
Mapping Your Future
A public service website that counsels students and families about college, career and financial aid choices. This site is sponsored by a group of guaranty agencies that participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).
Scholarship Searches
There are many private sources of financial aid available to students. This link will provide you with an overview of such sources and access to several links to popular online scholarship search services, as well as information about scams.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The NCAA is an association dedicated to the sound administration of intercollegiate athletics. Select the Academics & Athletes tab to learn about the requirements to help keep a student on track for academic eligibility, financial aid options and college recruitment information.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
The Chronicle is published weekly and serves as a news source for college and university faculty members and administrators.
ACT
ACT is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides assessment, research, information and program management services in the fields of education and workforce development.
The College Board
The College Board is a national non-profit membership association whose mission is to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college and opportunity.
National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
NACUBO is a nonprofit professional organization representing chief administrative and financial officers at colleges and universities across the country committed to excellence in higher education finance and administration.
National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER)
NCHER represents a nationwide network of guaranty agencies, secondary markets, lenders, loan servicers, collection agencies, schools and other organizations involved in the administration of federal and private education loans.
Meteor
The Meteor Project is an open online resource to serve schools, students, and their families. It is designed to provide financial aid professionals the ability to access timely, student-specific financial aid information from multiple sources.
Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (ILASFAA)
A professional organization of student financial aid administrators representing schools, private lenders, and state agency personnel serving students in Illinois.
Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA)
A regional organization of individuals engaged in and concerned with the administration and support of student financial aid.
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
Supports financial aid professionals at colleges, universities, and career schools. It is a national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and professional development for financial aid administrators.
Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)
IACAC is a statewide professional organization of counseling professionals dedicated to serving students as they explore options and make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. IACAC members include high school counselors, college admission personnel, and financial aid staff.
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
An organization of professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursing postsecondary education.
National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (NASSGAP)
A national association dedicated to the promotion, strengthening, encouragement and enhancement of high standards in the administration and operation of student grant and aid programs so that these programs shall be available to students in all states to expand and further postsecondary educational opportunities. NASSGAP's membership is drawn from single agencies in each state or territory which are responsible for state-funded student aid programs.
