ISAC: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Privacy Policy

ISAC.org

Privacy Policy

(last updated on January 4, 2023)

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General Information

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) respects your right to privacy. ISAC is committed to ensuring that your personal, professional and financial information is secure.. We have taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of our communications and computing infrastructure, including but not limited to authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day practices of the entire ISAC operating environment as part of our continuing commitment to risk management.

Please read the following policy to understand how your personal information will be used as you make full use of our online services. “Personal information” means any information by which you can be personally identified. Personal information includes your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, drivers license, Social Security number and the like. A domain name or Internet Protocol address is not considered personal information.

This policy applies to the following ISAC sites:

isac.org 
collegeillinois.org 
idapp.com 
edfinancial.com/idapp 
illinoiscan.org 
collegechangeseverything.org

Details about how this policy applies to users of the B4 College Alerts mobile application can be found in the section below titled “ Using the B4 College Alerts mobile app. ” 

Reading or downloading information

You browse our sites anonymously, and personal information is not collected. We gather and analyze data regarding usage of our websites, including domain name (the name of your Internet service provider), the number of hits to our sites, pages visited, and time and length of a user’s session. We use this information to evaluate and improve the content, appearance and utility of the sites and to track our visitors’ use of the sites for internal market research or other business purposes.

Completing a survey or filling out an application for a College Illinois!® prepaid tuition contract, scholarship or grant, or to attend a seminar 

ISAC collects personal information only when you voluntarily submit such information to us, such as when placing an order for materials through the site; joining our mailing list; completing an application for a College Illinois!® prepaid tuition contract, scholarship, or grant; responding to survey questions; or registering for a seminar. If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way affect your ability to use any other feature of ISAC’s websites.

After you have submitted your application online or completed the survey, we recommend that you end your browser session before leaving your computer.

If you complete a survey, we only collect, retain and use information about you where we reasonably believe it will assist us in managing our business. We collect and retain survey information about you in order to protect and administer your accounts; provide products, services, and other opportunities to you; and help us design or improve our products and services.

If you are registering for a seminar, we will collect your information and use it to secure your place at the seminar, and contact you with confirmation or changes to the seminar. The only unique identifier used is your e-mail address. This identifier will not be disseminated to a third party unless the application so states and provision is made for you to opt-out and/or, in return for specific consideration, you agree and give express permission to do so.

We, along with the outside companies with which we work, if applicable, may keep the information you provide to us, along with information we collect from outside sources, so that we can offer services related to your needs. We only collect, retain and use information about you for specific business purposes – and, upon your request, we will tell you why we are collecting and retaining it.

Using the B4 College Alerts mobile app

In order to use the B4 College Alerts mobile app, you must provide the last four numbers of your Social Security number, your date of birth and your zip code. This data is used only by ISAC and only to track your progress in completing the financial aid and college application processes. We do not transmit your data to any third party. ISAC only matches the data you provide to data we receive from the United States Department of Education so we can identity whether you have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The data you provide is stored in a database maintained by ISAC and will be deleted without unreasonable delay. You are not legally required to provide this data, and you may still receive alerts relating to applying for financial aid and college without submitting the information. If, at any time, you want to request that ISAC delete any data that was collected through the app, please send an email to [email protected] or call 800-899-ISAC (4722). If there are any changes to this privacy policy, we will send you advance notice through the mobile app.

Sending us an e-mail

If you send us an e-mail containing comments, concerns or suggestions, we will use your e-mail address only to send you a response. Your e-mail address will not be forwarded to any third parties without your permission.

Using our calculators or planning tools

Personal information is stored only temporarily to complete the calculations required by the user. None of the calculated results or information is retained by ISAC. The only information that is retained is that someone anonymously used one or our tools.

Using links we provide to other sites

ISAC’s websites contain links to other websites. While we make every effort to protect your information on ISAC’s sites, please be aware that we do not control the policies or content of other sites and cannot protect personal information you provide on other sites (including those we may link to). Please do not assume that our privacy policy covers those other sites.

Collecting information from minors

ISAC’s websites collect online contact information from minors without prior parental consent or parental notification. This information is used to process scholarship and grant applications.

Reviewing or updating personal information

You may request at any time to review personal information ISAC has about you. In addition, at any time you may request that ISAC correct any such personal information or that such personal information be removed from ISAC’s marketing databases.

To review or update information provided to:

College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program
E-mail:Current Contract Holders: isac.529helpillinois.gov 
General Info Requests: [email protected]
Telephone:877.877.3724
Write:College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program 
500 West Monroe, Third Floor 
Springfield, IL  62704-1876
IDAPP
E-mail:[email protected] (FFELP loans) 
[email protected]  (alternative loans)
Telephone:800.961.IDAP (4327)
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (Central Time)
Write:Illinois Designated Account Purchase Program 
P.O. Box 707 
1755 Lake Cook Road 
Deerfield, IL 60015-5209
ISAC
E-mail:[email protected]
Telephone:800.899.ISAC (4722)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (Central Time)
Write: Illinois Student Assistance Commission 
1755 Lake Cook Road 
Deerfield, IL 60015-5209

Opt in/Opt out policy

You are given the opportunity to “opt-in” or “opt-out” of having your information used for purposes not directly related to our websites or services at the point where we ask for the information. For example, we allow you to “opt-in” to receive e-mails from us regarding product information, newsletters, filing deadlines and research. We will use e-mail addresses only for the purpose of sending you ISAC materials. You always have the option of opting out as described within the text of any e-mail we send.

Disclaimer

ISAC’s websites are provided as a public service. Every effort has been made to offer the most current, correct and clearly expressed information possible on each site. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. If inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate information is brought to our attention, a reasonable effort will be made to fix or remove it.

The information contained in the sites, whether expressed or implied, is not legally binding upon ISAC. No action by the user should be taken in reliance upon the information contained herein. ISAC disclaims any responsibility or liability for the user’s loss due to his/her reliance upon said information. Information should be verified by the user by contacting ISAC.

ISAC is obligated to act in compliance with policies, rules and statutes which govern the programs cited herein. Accordingly notwithstanding any information contained in ISAC’s websites, such policies, rules and statutes shall control.

ISAC reserves the right, at its discretion, to change, modify, add or remove portions of this Privacy Policy at any time. You should check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of ISAC’s sites following the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy will mean that you accept those changes.

Terms of Use

ISAC.org

Terms of Use

ISAC Logo

ISAC's website is provided as a public service. Every effort has been made to offer the most current, correct and clearly expressed information possible on the site. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. If inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate information is brought to our attention, a reasonable effort will be made to fix or remove it.

The information contained in this website, whether express or implied, is not legally binding upon ISAC. No action by the user should be taken in reliance upon the information contained herein. ISAC disclaims any responsibility or liability for the user's loss due to his/her reliance upon said information. Information should be verified by the user by calling ISAC at 800.899.4722.

ISAC is obligated to act in compliance with its policies, rules and statutes which govern the programs cited herein. Accordingly, notwithstanding any information contained in this website, such policies, rules and statutes shall control.

Contacting about the Website

If you have any questions about these terms of use, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this website, you can contact:

Web Administrator 
Illinois Student Assistance Commission 
1755 Lake Cook Rd 
Deerfield, IL 60015-5209 
[email protected]

Freedom of Information Act

Legal

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

ISAC Logo

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) works at the intersection of money and knowledge, providing Illinois families comprehensive and objective information on funding higher education, and the tools they need to make educational choices that are right for them. Then, through the Monetary Award Program (MAP), College Illinois!® Prepaid Tuition Program, and other scholarship and grant programs that ISAC administers, ISAC helps make those choices a reality. Eric Zarnikow is ISAC's Executive Director. ISAC employs approximately 250 staff located in Deerfield, Springfield, and Chicago. Outreach ISACorps work remotely throughout Illinois. ISAC FY26 Operating Budget is $36,932,000.

ISAC is governed by a ten (10) member commission appointed by the Governor.

Meet the Commission

ISAC Functional Subdivisions

  • College Access and Outreach 
  • Executive Division 
  • Finance and Accounting 
  • Administrative Services
  • General Counsel 
  • Human Resources & Development 
  • Information Technology (IT) 
  • Communications
  • Program Services and Operations 
  • IL Designated Acct Purchase Program 
  • Capacity Development and Training 
  • Research Planning and Policy Analysis

The College Illinois! Investment Advisory Panel

Meet the Advisory Panel

FOIA Requests

Please send to: Lisa Murphy-Coveny, ISAC’s FOIA Officer 
Requests should be submitted using the form below or delivered by mail. 

Mail to: 

Freedom of Information Office, ATTN: FOIA Request
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
1755 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015-5209
 

Form submission is preferred, if possible.

For FOIA requests sent via form, the entirety of the request must appear in the description (no attachments or external links are allowed).

FEES: No fee for first 50 pgs. or e-mailed documents. 50 + pgs 15 cents per pg. Cost of CD if used. 
More terms re: fees are in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act 5 ILCS 140.

FOIA Requests Form

2020-21 ISAC Rules - REMOVE

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

2020-21 Administrative Rules

By Program Type/Topic

All files are in PDF format.

ISAC Logo

Need-Based Grant Programs

Military Programs

Teacher Education Programs

Special Criterion Programs

High School Scholarship Programs and College Planning/Outreach

Loans and Loan Forgiveness Programs

Prepaid Tuition Program

Administrative/General

2021-22 ISAC Rules

Administrative Rules

2021-22 Rules

By Program Type/Topic

All links are to PDF files.

ISAC Logo

Need-Based Grant Programs

Military Programs

Teacher Education Programs

Special Criterion Programs

High School Scholarship Programs and College Planning/Outreach

Loans and Loan Forgiveness Programs

Prepaid Tuition Program

Administrative/General

2022-23 ISAC Rules

Administrative Rules

2022-23 Rules

By Program Type/Topic

All links are to PDF files.

ISAC Logo

Need-Based Grant Programs

Military Programs

Teacher Education Programs

Special Criterion Programs

High School Scholarship Programs and College Planning/Outreach

Loans and Loan Forgiveness Programs

Prepaid Tuition Program

Administrative/General

2023-24 ISAC Rules

Administrative Rules

2023-24 Rules

By Program Type/Topic

All links are to PDF files.

ISAC Logo

Need-Based Grant Programs

Military Programs

Teacher Education Programs

Special Criterion Programs

High School Scholarship Programs and College Planning/Outreach

Loans and Loan Forgiveness Programs

Prepaid Tuition Program

Administrative/General

Types of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Planning

Types of Financial Aid

We know paying for college can feel overwhelming, or even impossible. Don’t give up on your plans! There is a lot of financial aid available to help.

Financial aid is money borrowed, given or earned to help pay for college. This money can come from various sources, but most will come from state or federal government programs. Many colleges and universities also provide some of their own financial aid for students, and that is called institutional financial aid. Most financial aid requires you to complete an application and reapply every year.

Parents and teens

Sources of Financial Aid

  • The Federal Government
  • State Government
  • Your college
  • Your employer
  • Your parent’s employer
  • Private agencies, associations and organizations

Types of Financial Aid

There are two main types of financial aid that you should know about.

Gift Aid

Gift aid is financial aid that does not have to be repaid. In that sense, grants and scholarships are like “gifts” to help you complete your education.

Scholarships

You can get a scholarship based on your grades, athletics, a unique skill, a special talent, financial need, or even a specific career interest. Scholarships can be a one-time gift or yearly, depending on the scholarship. While most scholarships don’t have to be repaid, some do have certain program requirements and/or obligations .

Grants

Grants are usually based on financial need. They are generally provided by the state or federal government or the college you plan to attend.

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you'll be considered for both the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the Federal Pell Grant. While FSEOG is campus-based, both are need-based grants and are available to undergraduate students. The FAFSA will also determine if you are eligible for the need-based Illinois Monetary Award Program grant .

Self-Help Aid

Self-help aid means you’ll play an active role in covering some of your college costs. This type of aid can include Federal Work-Study programs and student loans. Loans are financial aid that you will have to pay back.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study is a campus-based financial aid program for students who have financial need. It gives you the chance to work part time while you are in college so you can earn money to help pay for school. A Federal Work-Study job is different from a regular job because your work schedule is built around your class schedule. Also, when you apply for financial aid the following year, the money you earned through this program isn't used to determine your financial need. The information you provide on the FAFSA will determine whether you are eligible for Federal Work-Study Find out more about Federal Work Study Programs.

Loans

Loans are money that you borrow to help you pay for school. This is money that you have to pay back, and usually you must pay back the original amount plus money called “interest.” Colleges determine your loan eligibility after considering the grants, scholarships and Federal Work-Study program(s) you have been offered. Only borrow what you need. Before you borrow, always apply for scholarships and grants, because you don't have to pay them back. Remember, the more you borrow, the more you have to pay back!

There are several different types of student loans. Federal student loans generally have the best repayment options and lower interest rates. Direct subsidized loans are based on family financial need. Direct unsubsidized loans are not based on need. Note that there are limits on how much a student can borrow in Federal Direct Loans. Learn about Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans.

Federal Direct Parent Plus Loans allow parents to borrow to pay for their student’s education. These loans also have borrowing limits. Learn about Federal Direct Parent Plus Loans.

Banks and other lending institutions may offer Alternative or Private Loans. The amount you are able to borrow and the interest rate are usually based on your credit history and may require a co-signer. Find out more about Federal versus private loans.

Illinois Treasurer Seal

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office also offers lower interest private loans through their Student Empowerment Fund (SEF). They offer three different types of low interest private loans—for students, parents, and one designed for borrowers who have struggled to access private student loans because of a lack of credit score or adequate cosigner. Find out more about loans through the Illinois Student Empowerment Fund.

 

To help student and parent borrowers track their student loan debt, Illinois public universities and community colleges must give borrowers the following information every year:

  • an estimate of the total amount of education loans borrowed by the individual;
  • an estimate of the projected monthly payments and total payoff amount (including principal and interest), as of the time the information is provided;
  • the percentage of the borrowing limit that has been reached by the individual, as of the time the information is provided; and
  • financial resources that are available to the borrower.

For more information, contact the financial aid office at your (or your student's) Illinois public university or community college.

Loan Repayment

It's a good idea to learn about loan repayment before you take out a student loan. After college, you typically get a six-month grace period before you have to start repayment. This grace period can vary based on your loan type. Federal student loans offer several repayment plans, depending on your financial situation. 

Use one of the many estimators to find out which plans you may be eligible for and get estimates of your monthly payments based on your interest rate. 

Find out more about state and federal loan repayment and forgiveness programs.

Additional Resources

Find ISAC Financial Aid Programs
Find Scholarships
Apply for Financial Aid
How Financial Aid Works
Repaying your student loans
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