1. What forms are needed to apply for financial aid?
2. What types of financial aid are covered by the FAFSA?
3. Does UIC have a deadline?
4. How long does the application process take?
5. Can I apply for aid before I find out if I have been admitted by UIC?
6. What do I do with my Student Aid Report?
7. Do I have to include my parent's financial information?
8. What if I just want a loan?
9. How will I receive my money?
10. What is Work Study?
11. What if my financial situation suddenly changes?
12. Will I get more aid if I live in a campus residence hall?
13. Is there financial aid for summer school?
14. Should I consider private loans?
15. Additional Questions?

1.  What forms are needed to apply for financial aid?
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  If you do not have access to a computer you can obtain the FAFSA paper application from your high school counselor or any local community college or university.  In addition, other forms may be required on a student-by-student basis. UIC will request these forms by mail if they are needed.

2.  What types of financial aid are covered by the FAFSA?
All forms of federal financial aid are covered, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Perkins loans, Stafford loans, and work study. In addition, the state of Illinois uses the FAFSA to determine eligibility for the Illinois MAP Grant.

3.  Does UIC have a deadline?
Yes. UIC has a March 1 priority deadline. All students who complete a FAFSA by this date and promptly provide any additional documentation will be given priority consideration for financial aid. Some forms of aid are limited, so it is important that you apply as early as possible.  Students who apply after this date will be considered for aid. However, all funds may not be available and payment of funds may not occur during the first week of class.

4.  How long does the application process take?
You should be aware that the application process is complicated and takes a considerable period of time. From the date of application to the announcement of a financial aid award decision, it takes between 2 to 4 months.

5.  Can I apply for aid before I find out if I have been admitted by UIC?
Yes, you may apply for financial aid before being admitted to UIC. In fact, it is better not to wait until you have been admitted by UIC since the financial aid process can take a long time. Final notification of your aid will not be sent, however, until you have been admitted to UIC.

6.  What do I do with my Student Aid Report?
Check your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully for any incorrect items. Make any necessary corrections and re-submit online. If everything is correct, keep the SAR for your own records. UIC will receive an electronic analysis of all the information on your SAR.

7.  Do I have to include my parent's financial information?
For 2008 -2009 you must include parental information unless you can answer "yes" to one or more of the following questions:

1. Were you born before January 1, 1985?
2. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?
3. As of today, are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced.) "As of today" refers to the day that you complete your FAFSA online.
4. Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
5. Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009?
6. Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
7. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
8. Are you a veteran of the U.S Armed Forces? 

If you answered "no" to all of these questions then you must include parental information on your application, even if your parents are not helping you financially. The federal government assumes that your parents have an obligation and requires that your parents' financial resources be considered.

8.  What if I just want a loan?
A loan is a form of financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA and go through the regular application process. Be sure to indicate on the FAFSA that you are interested in loans. Notification of your eligibility for loans will be on your award letter. Be sure to return all necessary paperwork that is sent to you if you decide to accept a loan.

9.  How will I receive my money?
Usually all financial aid will be credited to your UIC billing account. If the credited funds exceed what you owe UIC, then the funds will be direct deposited into your bank account.

Direct deposit is simple and strongly recommended. To arrange for direct deposit, contact Student Financial Services at (888) UIC-BILL (888-842-2455).

10.  What is Work Study?
Work Study is a form of financial aid. This program provides jobs for students who need such earnings to meet a portion of their educational expenses. Both undergraduates and graduates are eligible for the work study program. Students are paid for the work they perform and most jobs are located on-campus. Salaries are dependent on the skill level of the job, but all jobs pay at least minimum wage. Students receive a paycheck every two weeks for the hours they worked.

There are a wide variety of work study jobs available. Once you have accepted work study on your award letter, you may go to the Student Employment Office in the Student Services Building to look for a job. Students who are eligible for the program must be enrolled at least half-time, except during the summer term.

11.  What if my financial situation suddenly changes?
If you or your parents (for dependent students) experience a change in financial situation, you can request that the Financial Aid Office reevaluate your aid eligibility. We will ask that you complete a form describing the change and provide some form of substantiating documentation. Common situations that are considered include loss of employment, reduction in income, medical/dental expenses, divorce, and death. If you are not sure about your particular situation, make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

12.  Will I get more aid if I live in a campus residence hall?
Maybe. All student aid is based on a budget that we create. If you live at home with your parents, your budget is lower than if you live in the residence halls or off-campus. We will try to offer you aid to cover the added expense of campus housing and a meal contract. Usually this higher need is met through loans. Students who are unwilling to accept work study or loans will probably need to have access to external resources, since grants alone will not usually cover tuition, fees, and residence hall costs. Undergraduate students must submit documentation of living away from home if they wish to request additional aid. Valid forms of documentation include a copy of a lease or campus housing contract.

13.  Is there financial aid for summer school?
Yes. You must have a FAFSA on file for the current year you are applying for.  There is also short application in the UIC Financial Aid Office that you must complete. This form is available by request only, and is available in February of each year. To obtain copy, please stop by the Financial Aid Office, or contact your financial aid counselor so that we may advise you on your summer aid before you submit the application.