Back to School

Back-to-school season is almost upon us again. These days, returning to school isn't just for the kids anymore. In lieu of the economy, many adults are seeking continuing education opportunities to polish up on their job skills.

When planning for college or graduate school, don't overlook some of the excellent government resources on the web. If you're planning to start or return school, check out some of these online resources:

• Students.gov provides helpful links for college students and their families on planning your education and on financial aid.
  

• Student Aid on the Web is a great source of free information on funding your education beyond high school, published by the U.S. Department of Education. Check out this link on "Understanding Grants and Loans."
  

• FAFSA will walk you through the filing process for Federal Student Aid.
  

• College Zone is the official site for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. This website links Illinois residents to financial aid programs and services on the local and federal level.

Whether your preparing your high school senior for college, or whether you're returning to school yourself, there are a wealth of federal aid programs to consider. The library is also a great resource for materials about scholarships and financing your education.