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Hillsboro High School
Hillsboro Community School District #3 fosters a student-centered culture with high expectations for each student to reach his or her full potential.

Federal Student Aid

FAFSA Graduation Requirement Information

Beginning with the Class of 2021, the State of Illinois requires all graduating seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or sign a FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver in order to receive their high school diploma. This requirement is meant to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore available federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college, trade school, and career training programs.

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form used to determine eligibility for:

  • Federal grants (such as the Pell Grant)

  • Illinois MAP Grants

  • Work-study opportunities

  • Federal student loans

  • Many institutional scholarships

Completing the FAFSA ensures students do not miss out on financial aid they may qualify for, even if they are unsure of their post-graduation plans.

Meeting the Graduation Requirement

Students must complete one of the following:

✔ Option 1: Submit the FAFSA

Families can complete the FAFSA online at:
https://studentaid.gov

To complete the application, both the student and at least one parent/guardian will need an FSA ID.
Create your FSA ID at: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id

✔ Option 2: Submit a Non-Participation Waiver

If a family chooses not to complete the FAFSA, they may satisfy the graduation requirement by signing the FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver.
This waiver acknowledges that the student and parent/guardian understand the potential benefits of completing the FAFSA but elect not to submit the application.

Your school can provide the waiver upon request, or it can be downloaded from the Illinois State Board of Education website.

Support for Students & Families

Hillsboro High School is here to help!
Students and families may contact:

Kelly Kenny – School Counselor
Academic, scheduling, and college/career planning
 

Katie Hilgert – Student Services Coordinator
Student support, postsecondary planning, additional resources
 

We offer:

  • FAFSA completion assistance

  • Financial aid planning sessions

  • Postsecondary exploration resources

  • Help obtaining your FSA ID

Important Dates

  • FAFSA opens each fall (date varies year to year).

  • Students should aim to complete the FAFSA early for the best chance at state-based aid like the MAP Grant.

Additional Resources