Student Financial Aid Eligibility

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for federal grants and loans, state of Illinois grants, and institutional need-based resources. Students must adhere to the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid.  

General federal and state financial aid requirements include the following:

  • Be fully admitted
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Eligible programs are all degree programs and approved certificates.  Students who are non-degree seeking are not aid eligible unless they are enrolled in courses required for teaching licensure/endorsement by the state. 
  • Complete verification if selected. View information about the verification process. 
  • Resolve all requirements noted by the financial aid office such as submitting documentation to resolve social security administration conflicts or unusual enrollment history.
  • Not be in default of a student loan
  • Be registered or intend to enroll in the term(s) for which they are packaged

Each federal and state grant, as well as student loans and institutional resources, has its own eligibility requirements. 

Student Rights

You have the right to…

  • Know which financial aid programs are available and the application deadlines
  • Know how financial aid will be packaged and the basis for these decisions
  • Know how your financial need was determined and how college expenses are considered in your budget
  • Know what resources were considered in the calculation of your need
  • Know how much of your financial need, as determined by the school, has been met
  • Request an explanation of the various programs in your aid package
  • Know the school’s tuition refund policy
  • Know what portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid and what portion is grant aid.  If the aid is a loan, you have a right to know all the terms of the loan before you accept it.  Your financial aid award and Direct Loan Checklist includes more information. View information about student loans.
  • Decline any portion of the aid offered
  • Know how the school determines if you are making satisfactory progress towards your degree. View the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Student Responsibilities

You must…

  • Be aware of and comply with the annual financial aid application deadline
  • Provide correct information (knowingly misrepresenting information on financial aid application forms is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense which could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code)
  • Provide all follow-up documentation and/or information requested by the financial aid office
  • Keep the financial aid office informed as to the progress of your aid application
  • Be responsible for reading and understanding all forms that you are asked to sign and keeping copies of them
  • Accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign
  • Be enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward a degree
  • Report outside assistance, including employer benefits, to the financial aid office
  • Be aware of the refund procedures
  • For on-campus employment, you would need to work the maximum hours assigned to earn your full work study award.  Students will receive a paycheck for their hours worked.