Financial Aid FAQs
FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file the FAFSA if my parents are divorced?
The parent with whom the student lived with more during the past 12 months should be reported on the FAFSA. If the student lived with parents equally, then whichever parent provided more financial support during the past 12 months should be reported. For more information, click here.
What items do I need to complete the FAFSA?
You will need seven items to complete the FAFSA.
A Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) which can be created here.
Your (and a parent's) Social Security Number
Your Driver's License (if applicable)
Your 2022 Tax Records (to apply for the 2024-25 school year)
Records of Untaxed Income
Records of Your Assets
List of College(s) You Are Applying To
What if my family's income has changed since filing the FAFSA?
In this case, you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office of each college to explain the change. There are certain changes that can be made on the FAFSA, but others that you will need to directly seek assistance from a college's Financial Aid Office. For common mistakes and how to correct them, click here.
The FAFSA allows ten colleges to be reported. What if I'm applying to more than ten colleges?
After you report ten colleges on the FAFSA and hit submit, wait 3-5 business days and log back in to make a correction. Remove some of the colleges from your initial list and add the additional schools. Then you will need to resubmit your FAFSA for processing. This will ensure all of the colleges on your list receive your FAFSA.
What if I don't qualify to file the FAFSA?
If you do not meet the criteria to file the FAFSA, you may be eligible to submit the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. If you have questions about this application, contact our ISAC CorpsMember Angelo Brown.
20 Questions to Ask a College About Financial Aid
What’s the average total cost of attendance (tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel, and other personal expenses)? Do any of these costs vary by program?
What are the ranges of costs for the different housing options and meal plans?
By how much should I expect my costs to increase each year?
Does financial need affect admission decisions?
How is financial aid affected if I apply via Early Decision or Early Action?
Does the school offer merit-based scholarships, or other types of aid that are not based on financial need?
What forms are required to apply for financial aid?
What is the priority deadline to apply for financial aid?
When will I be notified about financial aid award decisions?
Will the financial aid offer take into account the full cost of attending, including books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses?
What percentage of need does this college attempt to meet on average?
Will the financial aid office provide me with an explanation of how my financial need and award package was determined?
What financing options are available to help us pay our share of the costs?
What is the average amount of student loan debt incurred by graduates?
If the financial aid package isn’t enough, can I appeal, or ask for a revision? Under what conditions, if any, will the aid office reconsider the offer?
How will the aid package change from year to year? What will happen if my enrollment status, or my family’s financial situation changes?
What are the academic requirements or other considerations for the renewal of financial aid, including scholarships?
When can I expect to receive bills from the college? Is there an option to spread they yearly payment over equal monthly installments?
How much money will I need during the first week of school for books, supplies, and other expenses? Can these expenses be charged to my account?
Regarding student employment: How are jobs assigned? How many hours per week are student expected/allowed to work? How often and in what manner are they paid?
Source: Department of Education (2016) – The College Board