Programs and scholarships

Financial aid programs & scholarships

There are several federal, state and institutional fund options to help make it financially possible for you to attend Sandburg, and take charge of your future. 

Scholarships, grants and waivers do not have to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, major, talent, leadership, the field of study and/or financial need.

Choose how to take charge of your future.

Select any of the following to view more about potential available aid:

• Foundation scholarships 
• FAFSA^® scholarships 
• Talent scholarships 
• Athletic scholarships 
• Career consortium in-district tuition adjustment 
• Out-of-district tuition waiver request (TIDAJ) 
• Veterans & military benefits
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 
• External scholarships 
• Ask around 
• Federal direct loan program 
• Types of loans 
• Federal work-study program 
• Code of conduct 
• Department of Education federal student loan website

Foundation scholarships

Thanks to our generous donors, the Sandburg Foundation awards more than $225,000 in scholarships annually to Sandburg students based on academic excellence, financial need, residency, leadership, program of study or other requirements.

Any enrolled student at Sandburg may apply for scholarships when the application opens Oct. 1. (If you’re planning to attend Sandburg as a dual-credit student, you don’t qualify for Foundation scholarships). The priority consideration deadline to apply is March 15, and you can continue to apply through June 15 for secondary awarding.

You need to complete only one application to potentially qualify for multiple scholarships.
 

Scholarship availability

Scholarships are available each year. The number of scholarships offered, as well as the elements in each, may vary from year to year. Scholarships are available to students who are currently attending or plan to attend Sandburg. 

Scholarships are awarded for an entire academic year. You don't need to apply for each scholarship individually. Scholarships are housed under the Carl Sandburg College Scholarship Application.  Scholarship applications open Oct. 1, and the priority consideration deadline is March 15. You can continue to apply through June 15 for secondary awarding.

Eligibility & requirements 

Full- and part-time attendance
Certain scholarships are based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours per semester). Scholarships requiring full-time attendance are indicated within the scholarship's criteria. There’s no minimum amount of credit hours unless the scholarship specifies. If you’re planning to attend Sandburg as a dual-credit student don’t qualify for Foundation scholarships.  

GPA (grade point average)
A minimum GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 is required unless a scholarship criterion specifies higher.  The scholarship application opens Oct. 1. You’re encouraged to submit applications by the priority consideration deadline date of March 15, and you can continue to apply through June 15 for secondary awarding. 

Do I need to accept or deny my scholarship award?
Yes. Scholarship awards are sent through your Sandburg email. You must login to the scholarship portal, and accept or deny your scholarship award by the deadline shown on your award notice. If you don’t accept by that date, your scholarship could be re-awarded.  

Donor thank-you letters
Scholarship recipients are required to write a thank-you letter to receive Foundation scholarship funds. Scholarships that require thank-you letters are annual scholarships, endowed scholarships, Ann Asplund Discover Scholarships and mortuary science annual scholarships. Donor thank-you letters must be submitted through the Sandburg scholarship portal in your mySandburg account. The thank-you letter(s) must be submitted by the date set by the Foundation Committee. Failure to submit your letter by the assigned date automatically withdraws your awards. 

Foundation scholarship reception
The Foundation scholarship reception is held annually in the fall for all Foundation scholarship recipients. Attendance is required for this event. Student recipients will be honored and share appreciation with the donors who made their scholarships possible.

Scholarship applications through the Foundation

Ann Asplund Discover Scholarship
Offered to non-traditional students who enroll in academic programs selected by the college. Learn more and apply.

Dual-credit success scholarship
Offered to graduating seniors who have taken at least 6 credits worth of dual-credit courses through Sandburg during high school. Awards are made in the amount of $1,500 per year for full-time enrollment. Learn more and apply.

Galesburg Promise
Pays toward tuition for Galesburg High School and home-schooled graduates within district boundaries. Learn more and apply. 

Mortuary science
For students currently enrolled in the mortuary science program, these annual academic-year scholarships are based on fund availability. You don’t need to apply for each scholarship individually. All mortuary science scholarships are housed under the Mortuary Science Scholarship Application. Learn more and apply.

Presidential scholarship
Based on academic excellence, for students who graduated from an in-district high school. There are two types of scholarships: full tuition and half tuition, and you and/or your family is responsible for any related program fees.

• The award is tentatively based on a your sixth- or seventh-semester high school transcripts, and the final award is contingent on meeting all requirements with your final high school transcript.
• The full scholarship is awarded to a maximum of 20 students on a first-come, first-served basis and pays up to 64 credits over four semesters at Sandburg as long as you maintain the required cumulative GPA. 
• Applications are accepted the year you graduate from high school.
• An estimated payment shows on your bill following registration, and scholarships are applied to your account approximately two weeks before the tuition deadline. 
• You may use the award for summer term, but this counts as one of your four semesters of eligibility.

Learn more and apply.

Sampson Promise

Pays toward tuition for graduates from United High School, Monmouth-Roseville High School and home-schooled graduates within district boundaries. Learn more and apply. 

Frequently asked questions

Are all scholarships based on academic excellence?
Some scholarships are based on academic excellence. Others are based on other factors such as financial need, residency, leadership, the program of study or other requirements.

How many scholarships are available each year?
The number of scholarships offered, as well as the elements in each, may vary from year to year. On average, over the foundation awards over 300 scholarships annually.

What is the max amount of funds that I can receive from the Foundation?
You can receive up to $3,000 in scholarship funds from the Foundation.

When can I apply for Foundation scholarships?
The scholarship applications open Oct. 1 and close on June 15. There is a priority deadline of March 15. Preference will be given to students who apply by March 15.

When are scholarship awards made?
Recipient selection is completed by mid-April for priority applicants. All other applicants are reviewed and notified after June 15 by your Sandburg email if you’re selected to receive a scholarship.

Do I need to accept or deny my scholarship award?
Yes. Scholarship awards are sent through your Sandburg email. You must log in to the scholarship portal and accept or deny your scholarship award by the deadline shown on your award notice. If you do not accept by that date, your scholarship could be re-awarded. 

Who selects the scholarship recipients?
A scholarship review committee including Sandburg Foundation Board of Directors, staff, faculty and volunteers screens the applications. The scholarship selection committee, comprised of foundation board members, selects scholarship recipients. 

How is financial need determined?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form is required for scholarship awards based on documented financial need. Learn more about applying for the FAFSA^®.

If I’m awarded a scholarship, how long will I receive funding?
Scholarship awards begin in the fall semester immediately following your notification and acceptance of the award(s) and will also be available in the spring semester. Once the academic year concludes, your scholarship funding will cease. You must reapply for scholarships each year beginning Oct. 1.   

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Foundation success grants 

Student crisis funds

These funds help students whose circumstances prevent them from continuing their education at Sandburg. The Foundation is potentially able to help with one-time, non-recurring expenses that are an emergency situation. Review all eligibility requirements below before applying. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must:

• Be a part- or full-time student enrolled in credit classes (minimum of six hours) at Sandburg. Dual-credit students aren’t eligible. 
• Have successfully completed at least one semester of work at Sandburg and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. 
• Not be enrolled full-time at another institution, and taking classes part-time at Sandburg or during a term.
• Complete all fields on the student crisis fund application with attached documentation (e.g., pay stubs, unpaid bills, financial aid statements, emergency bills, etc.), or the review committee will decline to review the form. (If you’ve applied for financial aid, attach a copy of your award notification).
  
  

FUND LIMITATIONS
These funds:

• Are non-academic, non-recurring, one-time expenses for students, where payment is important to your continued enrollment at Sandburg. 
• Don’t cover monthly, recurring bills. 
• Cannot be used for tuition, fees or books, equipment expenses required for academic programs, childcare, fuel costs or fuel reimbursement. 
• Cannot be given to a student more than once in any academic year or within 90 days of receiving prior crisis funding. One academic year includes the summer, fall and spring semesters.
• Include a $500 maximum amount per academic year (fall, spring, summer).
  
  

POSSIBLE NEEDS

• Housing insecurity or unexpected changes in housing arrangements
• Loss of income or unemployment
• Unexpected medical bills
• Technology access (WiFi)
• Emergency vehicle repairs (If your request is vehicle related, you’ll be asked to supply the make, model and year of your vehicle on the student crisis form application, as well a copy of your vehicle registration).  

Apply for the student crisis fund today.

View an extensive list of community organizations for free resources and services in Knox County and surrounding areas.

Dental hygiene success grants

Dental hygiene success grants decrease educational and financial barriers for dental hygiene students.

Examples of acceptable usage include, but aren’t limited to:

• Textbook costs
• Fees for dental instruments
• Uniforms
• Clinical supplies and PPE
• Daycare costs & availability
• Reliable transportation
• Fuel prices
• Board fees & fingerprinting
  
  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
Applicants must: 

• Be enrolled in the Sandburg dental hygiene program
• Have a 2.0 GPA. 
• Complete all fields on the dental hygiene success grant application with attached documentation supporting your funding request (e.g., if you’ve applied for financial aid, attach a copy of your award notification), or the review committee will decline the form.  
  
  

FUND LIMITATIONS

• Dental hygiene success grants are used for academic and non-academic expenses that may affect a student's ability to continue their education in the Sandburg dental hygiene programs.  
• The grant doesn’t cover tuition expenses.  
• You can’t receive more than $500 in dental hygiene success grant funds in any academic year (fall, spring, summer). You can apply for more than one nursing success grant if your initial request and award is less than $500.
• No dental hygiene success grant funding is awarded before the financial aid refund date at the beginning of each semester when you can still receive 100% refund upon your withdrawal from Sandburg. 

Apply now for dental hygiene grant

Nursing success grants

The nursing success (Nurses in Need) grant was created from generous donor support to help lower educational and financial barriers related to initial textbook costs and fees for stethoscopes, uniforms, clinical supplies, daycare costs and availability, reliable transportation, fuel prices and other end-of-program costs like board fees and fingerprinting.  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a Sandburg nursing professions program (e.g., nursing associate degree, basic nursing assistant, practical nursing, nursing).
• Have a 2.0 GPA. 
• Complete all fields on the nurses success application form with attached documentation (e.g., if you’ve applied for financial aid, attach a copy of your award notification), or the review committee will decline the form.  
  
  

FUND LIMITATIONS

• Nursing success grants are used for academic and non-academic expenses that may affect a student's ability to continue their education in the Sandburg nursing programs.  
• The grant doesn’t cover tuition expenses.  
• You can’t receive more than $500 in nursing success grant funds in any academic year (fall, spring, summer). You may apply for more than one nursing success grant if your initial request and award is less than $500.
• No nursing success grant funding is awarded before the financial aid refund date at the beginning of each semester when you can still receive 100% refund upon your withdrawal from Sandburg. 
  
  

REFUND SCHEDULE (LENGTH OF CLASS)
The refund schedule refers to the number of calendar days beginning with the first day of the Sandburg term.

• Nine- to 16-week classes: Ninth calendar day of the term  
• Five- to eight-week classes: Fifth calendar day of the term 
• Four-week classes: Third calendar day of the term 
• Two- to three-week classes: Second calendar day of the term 
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFO 

• Sandburg offers many student services to assist you and help you succeed. From advising and tutoring to career development and financial aid, these services — nearly all of which are free — put an emphasis on supporting your success. 
• View an extensive list of community organizations for free resources and services in Knox County and surrounding areas.  

Apply now for nursing grant

Tools of the Trade success grant

The Edward Arthur Mellinger Educational Foundation and Sandburg Foundation [Link to 7.1 Foundation.] don’t want the cost of tools, workwear and other equipment required for an education to prevent you from reaching your career goals. 

The Tools of the Trade success grant is awarded to offset the cost of equipment and/or supplies for a currently enrolled part‐time or full‐time student in the automotive technology program at Sandburg, including:

• Program-required tools and tool storage
• Uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  
  

AWARD
A limited number of Tools of the Trade grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are disbursed for the 2024-25 academic year. The grant award includes a complete tool kit and tool cart.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS 

• You must be enrolled in the Sandburg automotive technology program.
• Tools of the Trade grants are for academic expenses that may affect your ability to continue your education in the automotive technology program at Sandburg.
• The grant doesn’t cover tuition expenses.
• If awarded, you must maintain good academic standing and make academic progress with a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and a minimum cumulative 67% completion rate for attempted credits.
• The awarded tools and tool cart are assigned to each student grant recipient and remain property of the Sandburg Foundation until you successfully complete and graduate from the automotive technology certificate program, at which point they become your permanent property.
• Program tools and carts are distributed to grant recipients on campus at the beginning of the fall semester.
• At the end of the academic year, you must complete an impact survey prior to taking permanent ownership of the tools and the tool cart.
• All fields must be completed on the Tool of the Trade application form, or the committee will decline the application.
• If you’ve applied for financial aid, attach a copy of your award notification in your tools of the trade application.

Apply now for tools for the trade grant.

Email the Sandburg Foundation with questions about the Tools of the Trade grants, or call 309.341.5349.    

Adult Bridge grant

The Adult Bridge grant isn’t provided through the Sandburg Foundation. For questions or additional information, email AdultBridgeGrant@sandburg.edu or call 309.341.5258. 

Through the support of the American Rescue Plan and the Illinois Community College Board, Sandburg offers a one-time, non-traditional student support grant for up to $1,000. Eligible students may receive two $500 awards to offset the cost of the following expenses: 

• Childcare
• Transportation
• Books and supplies
• Technology needs (laptops and hot spots)
• Last-payer tuition (tuition remaining after federal financial aid and other grant or scholarship awards are deducted from the total tuition)
  
  

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Non-traditional students are:

• Aged 24 or older
• Any age with a dependent 
• English language learner 
• Completed a high school equivalency certificate 
• Not enrolled in college directly after high school
• Has an advanced degree from another country 
• Going into a field in which your gender is underrepresented 
• Enrolled in a non-degree occupational program 

Apply now for adult bridge grant.

Students who receive these awards commit to participating in grant-endorsed activities, including work-focused development, engagement and exploration opportunities, academic support sessions and impact-focused groups, including survey responses.   

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FAFSA^® scholarships

Federal Pell grants

This award is based on financial need, and funds are provided by the federal government. To be eligible, you must: 

• Meet federal basic eligibility requirements.
• Not have earned your first bachelor’s degree.
• You may not receive federal Pell grant funds from more than one school simultaneously.
• Make sure a valid FAFSA is received by the last day of the academic year, or your last date of attendance for the award year, whichever is earlier.

To apply for this aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form every year you’re in school to stay eligible for federal student aid. You can receive Pell grants for no more than 12 full-time terms (roughly six years).

Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)

Need-based grant for Illinois students attending Illinois colleges. Your FAFSA data is shared with the state who calculates the award up to 135 credit hours. MAP funds are applied only to tuition and the registration fee, are available for fall and spring semesters only, and funds are limited to one college each enrollment period. View the eligibility requirements. 

To apply for MAP funds, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form, or if you’re an undocumented or transgender student who isn’t eligible for federal financial aid, you may apply for a MAP grant using the online Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. 

To receive the full amount of your MAP funds shown on your award letter, you must be enrolled for at least 15 credits per semester; otherwise, the award is prorated as follows: award ÷ 15 x credits enrolled.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A federal grant for students with exceptional need as demonstrated by the FAFSA^® expected family contribution (EFC). Priority consideration is given to students who receive the federal Pell grant. See if you’re eligible. To apply for this grant, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form every year you’re in school to stay eligible for federal student aid. 

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 Talent scholarships

For students with exceptional talent in athletics, music, theater, art, creative writing and journalism. You may receive a scholarship waiving tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester.

To apply for this aid, first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form every year you’re in school to stay eligible for federal student aid. Then, complete the respective application below:

• Creative writing
• Music
• Theater
• Art
• Journalism

Talent scholarship recipients are selected by a committee from Student Services. Talent scholarships pay for tuition for 12-18 credits fall and spring semesters. Funds are applied to your tuition after Illinois MAP grant, Illinois Veteran's grant and Illinois National Guard. An estimated payment shows on your bill following registration, and funds are applied to your account approximately two weeks before the tuition deadline.    

Email Student Development, or call 309.345.3500 to learn more.

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Athletic scholarships

Interested in charging toward victory? As a Sandburg Charger, you’ll join student athletes from all over the country — and the world — to come together as a team of unique talent. Ready to take charge every day to make your success a reality? Apply for one of Sandburg’s athletic scholarships.

At least 70% of our athletic scholarships are awarded to students within the Arrowhead Conference. Call 309.341.5225 or reach out directly to the specific sport’s coach to request an application.

There are now a total of 90.5 athletic scholarships available:

• Baseball: 12 scholarships
• Basketball:
  • Men’s: 9.5 scholarships
  • Women’s: 9.5 scholarships
• Cross country:
  • Men’s: 4 grants scholarships
  • Women’s: 4 grants scholarships
• Golf:
  • Men’s: 5 scholarships
  • Women’s: 5 scholarships
• Soccer:
  • Men’s: 11 scholarships
  • Women’s: 11 scholarships
• Softball: 12 scholarships
• Volleyball: 7 scholarships 

To be eligible, you must:

• Be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours fall and spring semester.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

Athletic talent scholarships must meet NJCAA eligibility each semester for payment. Athletic talent scholarships are recommended by the coach and award by the athletic director. 

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CAREER consortium in-district tuition adjustment

The Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources (CAREER) program Sandburg participates in, waives out-of-district tuition for career and technical education (CTE) programs if you’re outside the Sandburg district who enroll in a program not offered in your home district.

This doesn’t change your residency status; however, the out-of-district portion of the charges is waved with a financial aid credit. Your home district will let you know the terms of the agreement, and you’re responsible for renewing the paperwork for continued eligibility. 

Contact your home community college district, and request the paperwork for the CAREER consortium. Email or mail the information to:

Financial Aid
Carl Sandburg College
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg IL, 61401 

If you’re a Sandburg student attending another career school, pick up a CAREER application from Student Services, room E107; complete the form, and submit it for processing. Call 309.341.5227 with questions. 

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Out-of-district tuition waiver request (TIDAJ)

Waives the out-of-district portion of tuition for students with permanent residency out-of-district/state who will be residing within the Sandburg district. If you’re on a temporary visa, you’re not eligible to participate. Reapply with a new lease and request form each academic year.

To apply, simply submit the 2023-2024 out-of-district/state tuition waiver request form prior to the first day of the semester as well as a lease that is:

• Signed by both you and your landlord.
• Signed at least 30 days prior to the first day of the semester.
• For a residence within the Sandburg district.

Tuition is billed in two components: In-district and out-of-district, and a financial-aid award (TIDAJ) equal to the out-of-district amount will be applied to the account to offset the out-of-district portion. 

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Veteran & military benefits

Veteran benefits may cover tuition or other educational expenses for qualifying veterans who reside in Illinois. Sandburg is proud to serve and provide an educational opportunity for students who have served or who are currently serving our country.

We're committed to helping our veterans, military personnel and their dependents make an easy transition to college life. It may be helpful to speak with the coordinator of veterans and military services before you enroll each term. 

If you need a military transcript, select the appropriate site below:

• Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard: Submit a request on the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website.
• Air Force or Space Force: Submit a request on the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) website.

Financial aid for veterans

Enrollment certifications

Summer 2024 enrollment certification

If you've enrolled for the summer term and would like to use your GI Bill^® benefits, please complete the VA Certification Request 2024SU.

Spring 2024 enrollment certification

If you've enrolled for the spring term and would like to use your GI Bill^® benefits, please complete the VA Certification Request Form 2024SP.

Fall 2023 enrollment certification

If you've enrolled for the fall term and would like to use your GI Bill^® benefits, please complete the VA Certification Request Form 2023FA.

In-district tuition

Post-9/11 veterans, spouse and/or dependent children and Montgomery GI Bill^® recipients will be charged the in-district tuition rate regardless of residency. Email the coordinator of veterans and military services, or call 309.341.5321 for more information.  

FOREVER GI BILL^®

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the Forever GI Bill^®, is named after the American Legion national commander who wrote the original GI Bill^® language in 1944 and allows more veterans to use the GI Bill^® and more time to use it. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs — Forever GI Bill^®. 

Updates to the post-9/11 GI Bill^®

The 15-year time limitation for using the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits was eliminated for:

• Those last discharged/released from active duty on/after Jan. 1, 2013
• Children of deceased service members who first became entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits on/after Jan. 1, 2013
• All Fry spouses

All others remain subject to the current 15-year time limitation for using your Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits.

If you’re a member of the Reserve who established educational assistance eligibility under the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) before Nov. 25, 2015, and lost it due to the sunset provision may ask that that service be credited towards the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® program.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill^® monthly housing allowance (MHA) is calculated on the ZIP code of the campus where you physically attend the majority of your classes — not the location of the college itself: 

• Galesburg campus: 61401
• Carthage campus: 62321

Military tuition assistance

All branches offer financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active-duty service personnel. Members of the National Guard and reserve components also may be eligible for tuition assistance if they have enough time remaining in service to complete the course. Once complete, an officer using tuition assistance must fulfill a service obligation that runs parallel with — not in addition to — any existing service obligation. Select your branch below, and you’ll be directed to their website for more info:

• Army
• Navy 
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Space Force
• Coast Guard

If you want to use tuition assistance, you need authorization from your branch of service before enrolling in your classes each term. Tuition assistance is awarded under the assumption you’ll attend school for the entire awarded period. If you withdraw, you may no longer be eligible for the full amount of originally awarded funds. Sandburg will return any unearned funds to your service branch on a prorated basis through week 9 as follows:

If you have to stop attending because of a military service obligation, Sandburg will work with you to figure out how to avoid student debt for the returned portion. If attendance stops after mid-term, you can: 

1. Withdraw with a 100% refund.
2. Complete the course with instructor approval.
3. Take a grade of incomplete (I), and have the chance to complete the course you’re your return. 
   
   

Federal educational programs

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Learn more about all of the federal education benefits offered by the VA.

• Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill^®
• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill^®
• Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
• Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill^® — Selected Reserve
• Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) 

State-affiliated educational programs 

Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG)

• Pays tuition and certain fees at a public Illinois two- or four-year college
• View eligibility requirements and apply on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website.
  
  

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING)

• Pays tuition and certain fees at a public Illinois two- or four-year college.
• View eligibility requirements and apply on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website.
  
  

MIA/POW Scholarship

The state of Illinois provides an education scholarship for the dependents of veterans who are one of the following:

• Missing in action (MIA)
• A prisoner of war (POW)
• Died while on active duty
• 100% disabled due to service-connected disabilities
• Died as a result of a service-connected disability

View eligibility and apply on the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

FINANCIAL AID SHOPPING SHEET

The financial aid shopping sheet can help you assess the total cost of attending Sandburg. It presents information about available financial aid, net costs and how much you should expect to pay out of pocket. You can use this to compare financial aid packages offered by different institutions. After financial aid is awarded aid for the current academic year, access the sheet: 

Log in to mySandburg.

1. Select Self-Service.
2. Go to Financial Aid.
3. Click on Financial Aid Self-Service.
4. While the mouse is on the Financial Aid tab, a menu will appear.
5. Click on Federal Shopping Sheet.
6. Select the current school year.

The figures noted in the shopping sheet are based on estimates; specific costs may differ from the information provided. 

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External scholarships

We're proud to offer a range of external scholarships, covering a variety of fields of study, which have different eligibility criteria, award amounts and application deadlines. Direct any questions to the originating scholarship organization. 

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Ask around 

There are many additional local scholarship opportunities available to you to help fund your education, including:

• Local credit unions
• Churches
• Community foundations
• Community organizations

Every little bit helps; so take the time to explore all of your options and take charge of your future.

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Federal direct loans

Sandburg participates in the federal direct Loan program, a low-interest loan made to the student by the federal government to help pay for education expenses. The interest rate is variable and changes each year on July 1. We’ll also certify alternative loans as requested. Loans — unlike scholarships and grants — must be repaid.

After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) and receive notification from Sandburg that a student loan has been offered, simply complete these three steps to apply for the loan:

1. Request and complete the federal direct loan request form.
2. Complete the master promissory note (MPN) for a subsidized/unsubsidized federal direct student loan. (Log in with your FSA ID.)
3. Complete your entrance counseling.
   
   

Additional info about the loan

• This low-interest educational loan is offered by the federal government to help you pay educational costs. This money must be repaid.
• Repayment begins six months after graduation or when you drop below half-time enrollment.
• The government charges a 0.5% origination fee when the loan is made.
• If you’re a freshman (based on hours in the academic program), you can borrow up to $3,500 per academic year, and if you’re a sophomore, up to $4,500. 
• Sandburg estimates loan eligibility on the award notification based on anticipated enrollment. Student loans are certified after you’ve enrolled and are based on the enrolled credit hours. The final calculation is made at the time of disbursement.
• Minimum enrollment for loan disbursement is half time (six credit hours) per semester.
• Only courses required for your program of study count for enrollment purposes.
• Once loans are approved, they’ll be used to waive tuition payments.
• You’re responsible for purchasing books pending loan disbursement.
• Remaining loan funds are disbursed 30 days after the first day of each semester.

As a student, you have certain rights and responsibilities under the federal direct loan program. All loans are submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and are accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. 

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Types of loans

• View all the federal loans available, including loans parents can take out to help their children pay for school.
• View the private loan disclosures.

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Federal work-study programs

Work-study programs are part-time jobs (usually on campus) awarded to students who demonstrate financial need to earn funds to help pay for your educational costs and other expenses. Work-study jobs are often related to your field of study, but not always. The hours are adjusted around your academic schedule. 

You can be considered for the Federal Work-Study program from the info you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How does it work?

As a work-study participant, you can earn up to the amount indicated on your award notification, but aren’t guaranteed the hours needed to earn the full amount, as that depends on the department's needs and your availability. You’re paid biweekly for hours worked, and the minimum enrollment requirement is one credit hour per semester. Other benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate your class schedule
• Many work-study jobs are located right on campus, making it easy to get to work
• Hourly compensation averages $13/hour as of May 2023 
• Opportunity to gain experience in your field of interest and develop valuable skills
• Potential to earn funds to help pay for your educational costs
• Variety of job opportunities available in various departments on campus
  
  

How do I apply?

If you’ve been awarded Federal Work-Study and want to apply for a job, pick up and complete a work-study application from Financial Aid (E101). If you don’t have a Federal Work-Study award, you can email Financial Aid, or call 309.341.5283 to discuss if you might be eligible to receive an award by submitting a Request for Federal Work Study form. 

What kind of jobs are available through work-study?

• Academic Support — Elementary & Jr. High Tutoring
• Athletics
• CTE shop
• Fine Arts: Art
• Financial Aid
• Help Desk/IT
• Human Resources
• Library
• Student Services — Advising
• Student Services — Recruiting
• Student Services — Student Life
• TRIO Student Support Services
• Tutoring 

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Code of conduct

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) requires that institutions participating in federal student loan programs develop, publish and enforce a code of conduct with respect to student loans.

Sandburg is committed to the highest standard of ethics and conduct. The Financial Aid office is bound by the institution's Code of Conduct and Ethics for Business Activities, which requires each individual to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, policies and procedures that apply to his or her particular duties. Additionally, to comply with the HEOA, Sandburg has adopted the following code of conduct, which applies to the officers, employees and agents of the college.

The institution and its employees are banned from any revenue-sharing arrangements with lenders. No employees of financial aid offices and those employees who have responsibilities with respect to education loans shall solicit or accept any gift from a lender, guarantor or servicer of education loans.

Gifts

Gifts are defined as any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or other item having a monetary value of more than a minimal amount, consistent with Sandburg’s Conflict of Interest, and includes a gift of services, transportation, lodging or meals, whether in kind, by the purchase of a ticket, payment in advance or reimbursement. 

Gifts don’t include:

• Standard material activities or programs related to a loan, default aversion/prevention or financial literacy (e.g., workshops, training)
• Food, refreshments, training or informational material furnished to an employee of an institution as an integral part of a training session designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor or servicer of educational loans to the institution, if the training contributes to the professional development of the employee
• Loan benefits to a student employee if they are comparable to those provided to all students at the institution
• Entrance and exit counseling services provided to borrowers to meet the requirements of the HEA provided the institution retains control of the counseling, and the counseling is not used to promote the lender's products
• Philanthropic contributions to the institution by the lender

College financial aid office employees and those employees who have responsibilities with respect to education loans won’t accept from a lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment or other financial benefits as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contracts to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

For any first-time borrower, the college won’t assign through award packaging or other methods, a borrower's private loans to a particular lender; or refuse to certify, or delay certification of, any loans based on the borrower's selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.

The college won’t request or accept from any lender any offer of funds for private loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan, to students in exchange for providing concessions or promises to the lender for a specific number of federal loans made, insured or guaranteed, a specified loan volume or a preferred lender arrangement.

The college won’t request or accept from any lender any assistance with call-center staffing or financial aid office staffing. (There are exceptions, such as professional development training, providing counseling materials, debt management materials, etc., provided the lender is disclosed on the materials; short-term nonrecurring assistance during emergencies.)

College financial aid office employees and those employees who have responsibilities with respect to education loans and who serve on an advisory board, commission or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, are prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lender or guarantors, except that the employee may be reimbursed from reasonable expenses incurred in serving on such an advisory board, commission or group. 

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