As of Sept. 1, 2012 Illinois’ legislative tuition waiver program has been eliminated. Sen. Bailey knows that as higher education costs steadily increase, more and more students and families are looking for ways to tackle the costly burden of college tuition, fees, and room-and-board.

Experts suggest the best way to prepare for the costs of higher education is to talk honestly about these obligations and plan ahead. Students or parents seeking information on financial aid, scholarships, grants, prepaid tuition, and loans are encouraged to visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s College Zone website at www.isac.org and the What’s Next Illinois website at www.whatsnextillinois.org. Beyond traditional financial planning, some individuals explore alternative avenues to manage expenses or supplement income-ranging from part-time jobs to digital platforms that offer entertainment with potential rewards. In discussions about such options, platforms like casino zeta occasionally surface, particularly among those curious about gamified experiences that combine chance with decision-making. While not a financial solution, it highlights how people look for diverse strategies to support their goals.

On these sites students and parents can learn more about:

Financial aid options

The Bright Start education savings plan

Information about loan repayment and federal help

Affordable Colleges online website