Need ways to pay for college? Explore numerous resources that help you pay for your schooling, below. Parkland College is here to help you navigate your financial options so you reach your educational goals.
Before Applying
Get information about federal and state financial aid programs on the Department of Education's Student Aid website. You may be eligible for grants, work-study, and loans.
Disabilities: Funding Support
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) provides employment training and placement services to individuals with disabilities to help them train for careers of their interests, skills, abilities, and informed choice. Vocational counseling and guidance services may also include financial support to achieve academic goals. For more information on this program, contact our local office at 217/278-3500 or visit their website at dhs.state.il.us.
Financial Aid Application
GradReady: Manage Your Money
GradReady is a personal finance website created specifically to help busy students like you learn how to manage money. Parkland provides this service to students for FREE! You can make an online account by clicking the banner below.
HOUSE Liaison
At Parkland College, we understand that life can be challenging and, at times, you may need additional support. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping connect you with the resources you need to succeed during your time here and beyond.
If you are struggling with housing or food insecurities, our Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students' Excellence (HOUSE) liaison is available to help provide you with information and resources.
HOUSE Liaison Contact:
Dawn Kamphaus
Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services
Phone: 217/351-2222
Email: dkamphaus@parkland.edu
Parkland Science Scholars
Parkland Science Scholars is designed to support 10 low-income students to pursue their degree in a science field. More information about this program can be accessed here, at parkland.edu/parklandsciencescholars.
Parkland Websites
- Check the status of documents, view your award letter, and accept or reject your awards on Self-Service through Connect.
- Print forms to complete your financial aid application process on our Printable Forms Page.
Scholarships
- Money for college you don't have to repay! View the various scholarship types on our scholarships page.
- Apply for Parkland Foundation Scholarships on the Scholarship Search page.
- A national scholarship search is available at Fastweb.
SNAP Benefits
Each state has its own application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The Illinois application is available through the Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility website. Information about the program and eligibility requirements in Illinois can be accessed on the Department of Human Services website.
Student Loan Processes
Student Veterans
Support for Workforce Training (SWFT)
Through the SWFT scholarship program, Parkland College students can obtain short-term certifications in various career pathways at no financial cost to them, leading to jobs in in-demand fields with life-supporting wages. Visit parkland.edu/swft to see if you qualify for SWFT training.
TRiO/Student Support Services
A federal grant-funded program, TRiO promotes equal opportunity to succeed by providing high-quality and responsive academic support services to first-generation-college and low-income students as well as students with disabilities. Visit parkland.edu/trio to see if you qualify.