Grants
Grants are often called "gift aid" because they are free money – financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid. Grants awarded through Parkland are a form of need-based aid from both federal and state sources.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is designed to help pay college-related expenses. The exact dollar award is determined by the student’s class load and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the federal government. For more information visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to students who have exceptional financial need. SEOG awards depend on the amount of funds available. For more information visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Work Study (FWS) is awarded through the Office of Financial Aid in the form of part-time employment. Students who participate generally work from 10-20 hours per week and are paid twice a month. The actual FWS award is based on demonstrated financial need. For more information visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Monetary Award Program (MAP)
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) is awarded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and is designed to pay tuition and basic fees at Parkland for Illinois students. MAP grants are limited based on the number of applicants and funding levels appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. Please be aware that in light of state funding constraints, reductions to estimated or actual MAP grants are possible.
There is a limit on the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours that can be paid while you are classified by your school as a freshman and sophomore. This limit is the equivalent of 75 MAP Paid Credit Hours. For more information visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commision website..
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs. Further details and the application can be found at the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid page.
Loans
Student loans are a form of financial assistance offered to students to pay off education related expenses. Students are not required to pay their student loans back until after a grace period, which begins after they have completed their education or drop below 6 credit hours.
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program
Students enrolled in either college transfer or vocational/technical programs may apply for this loan. Depending upon demonstrated financial need and academic program length, dependent/independent freshman students may borrow up to $5,500/$9,500. Dependent/independent sophomores may borrow up to $6,500/$10,500 with demonstrated financial need. Repayment begins six months after the student drops below half-time student status, but there are deferment provisions. Monthly repayment varies with the total amount borrowed. For more Information visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Direct Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students is available for parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time. Repayment begins within 60 days of signing a promissory note unless the parent opts to have repayment deferred while the student for whom the parent borrowed is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after that student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Application for the Direct PLUS begins when completing a PLUS Application, which is available from the Office of Financial Aid. Direct PLUS loans are made through the U.S. government. For more information visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Scholarships
Parkland College and the Parkland Foundation, along with private donors offer a variety of scholarships to Parkland students to assist with paying for college. For more information visit the Scholarships page.
Support for Workforce Training (SWFT)
SWFT is a workforce training scholarship that provides funding and supports for career certificates at Parkland College. These carefully selected certificates provide practical training and rich experiences to prepare you for entry into high-paying industries. Certificate offerings can also lead to continued education for growth in several career pathways should you choose to continue your education at Parkland College or elsewhere. Learn more on the SWFT webpage.
Apprenticeships
Get paid while training for a new career! You'll attend classes and workshops selected by your employer to help you gain hands-on skills faster and tuition assistance is often provided by the employer. Apprenticeship programs can be one month up to six years in length and vary by occupation and employer. Each employer creates a custom program designed to train you to be a fully competent worker in your selected occupation. Learn more on the Apprenticeship webpage.