Nearly 470 Illinois High Schools Honored for Boosting Student Financial Aid Completion (Chicago, IL) – Nearly 470 Illinois high schools have been recognized by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Governor JB Pritzker for their success in helping students complete financial aid applications, a key step toward making higher education more accessible.
ISAC announced the 2025–26 Financial Aid Application Completion Recognition of Excellence honorees this week, celebrating 469 schools across the state for their leadership in guiding students and families through the college financial aid process. The number of recognized schools marks a nearly 15 percent increase from last year.
“Here in Illinois, we’re committed to supporting every student as they pursue opportunities for higher education,” Pritzker said. “Our high schools play a critical role in ensuring students have the resources they need to achieve their education and career goals, and I’m proud to congratulate the hundreds of model schools working to set their students up for success.”
Illinois is one of the few states that requires public high school seniors to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as part of their graduation requirements. Students who choose not to file may opt out through a parent or guardian.
Schools recognized by ISAC this year were commended for their proactive support of students navigating the aid process—an effort that can make a critical difference in college enrollment and affordability.
ISAC’s FAFSA Completion Initiative provides schools with data to help counselors identify which students have not yet submitted financial aid forms. Through this initiative and ISAC’s ISACorps program—a statewide team of near-peer mentors—students and families receive free one-on-one assistance, workshops, and resources to help them understand and complete financial aid applications.
“Completing a financial aid application is one of the most important steps students can take to support their education and career goals,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “Many students might not realize that funding is available to make college possible for them. We’re proud to honor the schools going above and beyond to ensure their students don’t miss that opportunity.”
Honorees were recognized across four award tiers based on completion rates for the Class of 2025:
Platinum (over 95% completion): 45 schools
Gold (over 85%): 103 schools
Silver (over 75%): 146 schools
Bronze (over 65%): 175 schools
Each recognized high school will receive a banner from its local ISACorps member this fall to display in celebration of the achievement.
A full list of honorees is available at ISAC.org.
ISAC will begin tracking completion data for the Class of 2026 later this winter. Schools and community partners can also join ISAC’s College Changes Everything® fall campaign to access free toolkits, materials, and event support to promote college and financial aid applications statewide.
For more information about ISAC’s free college planning and financial aid resources, visit studentportal.isac.org.
Nearly 470 Illinois High Schools Honored for Boosting Student Financial Aid Completion
