Financial Aid and Scholarships

Do You Need Funding for Classes?

Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA or Alternative Application!

It not too late to apply for financial aid for sixteen, twelve, and eight week (H2) classes. Drop in or schedule an appointment for assistance today!

Planning for Fall 2025?

The 2025-2026 FAFSA beta testing is NOW OPEN to everyone. If you complete your FAFSA during the beta testing period, you will not need to complete it again when the FAFSA officially opens on December 1st.

All students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize their opportunities for financial aid.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Remember, many aid programs have limited funds, so don’t wait—apply early!

Finding the Money You Need to Succeed...

In addition to offering low tuition, we're here to help you apply for financial aid and answer any questions about your financial aid eligibility. You should also apply for scholarships.

Students at Bursar and Financial Aid Windows S

Applying for Financial Aid

You must reapply annually for funds to help with paying for your education. Each type of financial aid has different requirements and application processes. Learn about the upcoming changes to the FAFSA.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Types of Financial Aid

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Work-Study
• Education Benefits for Veterans

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility requirements for state and federal financial assistance programs are listed here. Other requirements may apply for certain programs. Be sure you meet all requirements before applying.

Special and Unusual Circumstances

For help with:

• One-time Emergency Needs Funding Assistance
• Unstable Housing Arrangements
• Significant changes in family or student income
• Additional Student and Community Resources

Schedule a College Funding Appointment

For help with:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
• Waubonsee Financial Aid Missing Requirements
• Waubonsee Foundation Scholarship Application (Scholarship deadlines vary)
• Money Matters Financial Education Program

Extra Help for Eligible Students

Many people don't even bother to apply for financial aid as they think they make too much money to qualify. Well, Waubonsee doesn't want anyone to leave free money on the table, so we're introducing our Success Scholarship!

Eligible students who complete the financial aid application process may qualify for scholarship assistance to help pay for tuition, fees, and/or course materials. Awards may vary, see qualifiers for details.

So stop waiting, and start applying!

Waubonsee Success Scholarship

Quick Links

Take a look at this key info and take these key actions. The ones requiring mywcc login are most helpful once you have applied for aid and are looking to complete the process.

Apply for Aid

Financial Aid Handbook

Financial Aid Process Checklist*

Money Matters

Financial Aid Handbook (Spanish)

* Requires mywcc student login using your X-number and password.

Financial Education

Money Matters educates Waubonsee students on personal finances through individual peer-to-peer appointments, campus wide events and online resources.

Financial Education

Cost of Attendance

Costs are for both a fall and spring semester. Tuition/Fees and Books are based on 12 credits/semester. Actual costs are dependent on individual circumstances.

The figures below are meant to serve as general guidelines to help you plan your educational expenses. Use Net Price Calculator to determine the difference between total cost and estimated financial aid. You can also learn more by visiting our College Affordability and Transparency Center scorecard.

2024-2025

Dependent or with Parents
Direct Costs: Paid directly to the college Tuition & Fees* Books (estimation)* Direct Cost Total:	$3,504 $1,600 $5,104
Indirect Costs: Necessary expenses not paid to the college Living Expenses (Housing & Food) Housing ($9,253) Food ($2,097) Personal Transportation Indirect Cost Total:	$11,350 $1,688 $2,385 $20,527

Dependent or with Parents

Direct Costs: Paid directly to the college
Tuition & Fees*
Books (estimation)*
Direct Cost Total:

$3,504
$1,600
$5,104

Indirect Costs: Necessary expenses not paid to the college
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)

Housing ($9,253)
Food ($2,097)

Personal
Transportation
Indirect Cost Total:

$11,350

$1,688
$2,385
$20,527

Independent not with Parents
Direct Costs: Paid directly to the college Tuition & Fees* Books* Direct Cost Total:	$3,504 $1,600 $5,104
Indirect Costs: Necessary expenses not paid to the college Living Expenses (Housing & Food) Housing ($18,506) Food ($4,194) Personal Transportation Indirect Cost Total:	$22,700 $3,375 $2,385 $33,564

Independent not with Parents

Direct Costs: Paid directly to the college
Tuition & Fees*
Books*
Direct Cost Total:

$3,504
$1,600
$5,104

Indirect Costs: Necessary expenses not paid to the college
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)

Housing ($18,506)
Food ($4,194)

Personal
Transportation
Indirect Cost Total:

$22,700

$3,375
$2,385
$33,564

*Tuition/Fees and Books are based on 12 credits a semester.

Additional Budget Components

Federal Student Loan Fees - 1.057% of accepted award amount; budget adjusted during loan processing to include the origination fee.

Professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential costs:

ESCO - Covered in Student Fees
OSHA 10 - Covered in Student Fees
Automative Service Excellence Certification - Administered through Testing Center at no cost to the student
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Covered in Student Fees
OSHA (CareerSafe) - Covered in Student Fees