APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
All students who apply for financial aid must meet certain requirements in order to receive financial aid. You must be admitted to a degree or eligible certificate or graduate preparatory program and be enrolled in that program at least half-time. Classes audited or incomplete courses completed in addition to your program coursework are not considered as enrollment for financial aid purposes.
In addition to these enrollment requirements, you must also:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- make academic progress in your course of study;
- not be in default on any federal loan or owe a repayment on any federal grant, and;
- comply with all federal regulations governing selective service registration and use of funds for educational purposes.
Application Procedure
Many sources of funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to apply for financial aid as soon after January 1 as possible. First time applicants will be considered for institutional aid only if their application is complete by May 1. Continuing students who received DePaul-administered grants and loans in the prior year must have their FAFSA results in by May 1 in order to be considered for renewal of those awards.
Required Documents
The following items are required to complete your financial aid application file:
- Admission to a degree program, eligible certificate or graduate preparatory program. If you have not been admitted to DePaul University, contact the Office of Admission to learn what steps you must take to be admitted.
- The results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are most important in the determination of your eligibility for financial assistance. FAFSA's may be completed and submitted electronically using FAFSA on the Web, www.fafsa.ed.gov. (This is a much faster and more convenient process than filing by mail.) If you complete a paper FAFSA, be sure to write "DePaul University" and our school code, "001671", in the list of schools. It will take three to five weeks from the time you submit your FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Processor until our office receives your FAFSA results. Consequently, in order to insure that our office receives your FAFSA results on time, you should complete your FAFSA no later than April 1
In addition, be sure to do the following:
- Retain copies of the documents you submit.
- Act promptly on any special instructions on your FAFSA result, the Student Aid Report.
Application Review Process
Once your application file is complete, our office reviews the income and asset information provided on your FAFSA. In that review, we calculate your family's ability to contribute in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines. At the same time, we estimate your educational costs, according to your program of study, anticipated enrollment level, and housing plans. The difference between your educational costs and your family's ability to contribute is your financial need.
After calculating your need, we will send you a financial aid award letter that will list sources available to help you pay your educational expenses. Your award letter will consist of a "package" of financial aid programs for which you are eligible--that is, a combination of grants, loans, and employment.
Use this handy "To Do" list to guide you through the first few months of your financial aid process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office.
Learn more about:
To Do List
VIEW LINKS FOR:
