Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office staff is committed to helping you identify your options for paying for college as well as guiding you through the process.

First, we would like to start by giving you a guide to the financial aid process. This helpful checklist will lay out each step you need to take to apply for financial aid. It includes deadlines you need to be aware of and the most important information — simplified.  Click here for a list of important dates.

Next, we have important information you need to be aware of. We will keep you updated on any new developments or requirements for each year’s financial aid.

• 2023-2024 FAFSA is available beginning October 1, 2022 for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024. The DRT is available to import your 2021 taxes for 2023-24. Using the DRT and not changing any of the information will result in faster review and less documentation to submit to our office.
• NOTE: The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available for Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. During January 2024, the Department of Education will do routine maintenance on the FAFSA, so expect delays. The Department of Education has begun processing FAFSA data and releasing the information to students and schools as of March 15 on a limited basis. As student's FAFSAs are processed, students will receive a notification from the Department of Education. Once this is processed, students can make corrections. The Financial Aid Office anticipates being able to process 2024-2025 financial aid around mid-April. The Financial Aid Office will begin sending notifications for any additional documentation as FAFSA information is received. If no additional documentation is needed, you will be issued an offer letter in your myKish Self-Service. To learn more about the changes, see our FAFSA Simplification Updates. 
• Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is available to Illinois residents who are unable to apply for federal financial aid due to being an undocumented or transgender individual.

Now you’re ready to apply for financial aid. Start your FAFSA and get our tips here. 

Apply for Financial Aid