College & Education in Illinois

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

17 Resources

1. Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) — Free

State agency helping Illinois families plan, prepare, and pay for college through financial aid programs, scholarships, and college planning resources. ISAC administers the Illinois MAP Grant, College Illinois prepaid tuition program, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Fathers returning to school or helping their children pay for college can call or visit isac.org to learn about available grants, how to file the FAFSA, and eligibility for Illinois-specific aid programs.

800-899-4722 · 1755 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. City Colleges of Chicago — Paid

Seven accredited community colleges offering affordable degrees, certificates, and workforce training with free tuition for qualifying Chicago residents through the Star Scholarship program. City Colleges campuses are located across Chicago neighborhoods including Harold Washington, Malcolm X, Kennedy-King, and others. Fathers can call 773-265-5343 or visit ccc.edu to find a campus, explore programs, apply for enrollment, and learn about financial aid options.

773-265-5343 · 180 N Wabash Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — Free

Free application for federal and state financial aid including Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans. Filing the FAFSA also applies Illinois students for the MAP Grant and many college-specific scholarships. Fathers returning to school or supporting college-age children should file as early as possible at studentaid.gov — priority deadlines for the Illinois MAP Grant are typically in the fall. No application fee required.

800-433-3243 · Online resource · Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET · Visit Website

4. Illinois MAP Grant (via ISAC) — Free

Illinois Monetary Award Program provides grant funding toward tuition and fees at participating Illinois colleges for eligible low-income students. MAP Grants are awarded to students who file the FAFSA by the priority deadline and meet income eligibility requirements. Fathers returning to college at Illinois community colleges or universities can check eligibility at isac.org and file the FAFSA to automatically be considered for this free tuition grant.

800-899-4722 · 1755 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. City Colleges of Chicago - GED/Adult Education — Free

Free GED and HiSET preparation classes covering Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science at seven college campuses across Chicago. City Colleges' adult education program also offers ESL classes and college transition programs. Fathers who need to earn a high school equivalency credential to pursue employment or higher education can enroll at any City Colleges campus. Call or visit ccc.edu to find class schedules and begin the enrollment process.

773-265-5343 · 180 N Wabash Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri (class schedules vary) · Visit Website

6. Illinois WorkNet - Education & Training — Free

State platform connecting residents with education, training, and career planning resources including financial aid information and program searches across Illinois. Illinois WorkNet allows users to search training programs, explore career pathways, complete skills assessments, and find American Job Centers by location. Fathers looking to upgrade their skills, earn a credential, or change careers can use WorkNet's free tools and connect with local workforce counselors.

800-244-5631 · 1300 S 9th St, Springfield, IL 62703 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. IDHS Single Parent Scholarship Program — Free

State-funded financial aid for low-income single parents attending approved Illinois colleges, covering tuition and fees up to $5,000 per year. The program is administered through local DHS offices and requires applicants to be custodial single parents enrolled at least half-time at an approved Illinois institution. Fathers who are primary custodians pursuing a degree can call 800-843-6154 or visit a local DHS office to learn about eligibility and application procedures.

800-843-6154 · Statewide · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Waubonsee Community College — Paid

Affordable community college in the Aurora area offering associate degrees, certificates, GED prep, and workforce training programs in Sugar Grove and at satellite locations. Waubonsee serves Kane, DeKalb, and surrounding counties with strong transfer pathways to four-year universities and career programs. Fathers returning to school can visit waubonsee.edu to explore programs, apply for admission, and learn about financial aid and veteran benefits.

630-466-7900 · Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Joliet Junior College — Paid

America's first public community college offering affordable degrees, certificates, adult education, and workforce development in Will County. JJC serves the Joliet area with strong transfer programs, career and technical education, and continuing education. Financial aid and the Illinois MAP Grant are available. Fathers in Will County looking to earn a degree or industry credential can visit jjc.edu or call 815-729-9020 to learn about enrollment and financial aid.

815-729-9020 · 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Rock Valley College (Rockford) — Paid

Community college serving the Rockford area with affordable degree programs, GED preparation, ESL classes, and career training in Winnebago County. Rock Valley College offers strong healthcare, manufacturing, and business programs with financial aid and veterans' benefits available. Fathers in Rockford and surrounding Winnebago County communities can visit rockvalleycollege.edu or call to explore programs, apply, and speak with a financial aid counselor.

815-921-7821 · 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Parkland College (Champaign) — Paid

Champaign-area community college offering associate degrees, certificates, adult education, and transfer programs at affordable tuition rates. Parkland College serves Champaign County with strong allied health, business, and technology programs alongside ESL and GED preparation. Financial aid and the Illinois MAP Grant are available. Fathers in east-central Illinois can visit parkland.edu or call 217-351-2200 to explore programs and apply for enrollment.

217-351-2200 · 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Illinois Central College (Peoria) — Paid

Central Illinois community college offering degree programs, GED preparation, workforce training, and continuing education in East Peoria and surrounding Peoria County communities. ICC offers strong healthcare, manufacturing, and business programs with financial aid and veterans' benefits available. Fathers in central Illinois can visit icc.edu or call 309-694-5422 to explore programs, schedule a campus visit, and learn about the enrollment and financial aid process.

309-694-5422 · 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield) — Paid

Springfield-area community college providing affordable higher education, GED classes, workforce development, and transfer programs in the state capital region. Lincoln Land serves Sangamon, Cass, Menard, and surrounding counties with in-demand career programs, transfer pathways, and adult education. Financial aid and MAP Grants are available. Fathers in the Springfield area can visit llcc.edu or call 217-786-2200 to explore programs and the enrollment process.

217-786-2200 · 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62794 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Harper College (Palatine) — Paid

Northwest suburban Chicago community college offering degree programs, continuing education, ESL, and career training with financial aid available in Palatine. Harper serves Cook and Lake County students with strong programs in healthcare, technology, business, and the trades. Illinois MAP Grant and veterans' benefits are accepted. Fathers in the northwest suburbs can visit harpercollege.edu or call 847-925-6000 to explore programs and learn about financial aid.

847-925-6000 · 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Elgin Community College — Paid

Community college serving the Elgin and northwest Kane County area with associate degrees, workforce training, GED prep, and ESL programs in Elgin. Elgin Community College is known for strong manufacturing, healthcare, and culinary programs alongside robust adult education. Financial aid and the Illinois MAP Grant are available. Fathers in the Fox Valley area can visit elgin.edu or call 847-697-1000 to explore degree options and apply for enrollment.

847-697-1000 · 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. College of DuPage — Paid

One of the largest community colleges in the nation offering hundreds of degree and certificate programs, adult education, and job training in Glen Ellyn. College of DuPage serves DuPage County and surrounding communities with strong transfer pathways, workforce programs, and continuing education. Financial aid is available including the Illinois MAP Grant. Fathers can visit cod.edu or call 630-942-2800 to find a program that fits their schedule and career goals.

630-942-2800 · 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills) — Paid

Southwest suburban Chicago community college providing affordable degrees, workforce development, GED prep, and financial aid assistance in Palos Hills. Moraine Valley serves the southwest suburbs with strong career programs in healthcare, public safety, and the trades alongside transfer degrees and adult education. Illinois MAP Grants and veterans' benefits are accepted. Fathers can visit morainevalley.edu or call 708-974-4300 to explore programs and apply.

708-974-4300 · 9000 W College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.