CSU Financial Aid Process

The financial aid process can be confusing, and it can vary somewhat from school to school. We hope the information provided in the links below will help alleviate any confusion you may experience and assist you in completing the financial aid process at Chicago State University.

The Financial Aid Process at Chicago State University (.pdf)

An overview of the financial aid process at CSU . . . a MUST READ for all prospective, and currently enrolled, students.

A quick reference to the financial assistance process and programs available at CSU.

Federal Student Aid At A Glance (.pdf)

A U.S. Department of Education publication containing highlights about Federal Student Aid.

Student Aid on the Web
A U.S. Department of Education web site providing expanded information about the financial aid process.

Funding Education Beyond High School
A comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education in a very user friendly and easy to read format. Printed copies of the 2010-2011 version will be available in our lobby in June or July.

AC Grant & SMART Grant
Two federal student grants that first became available beginning with the 2006-2007 school year. Read all about them and see if you qualify for these funding sources.

Current and prospective teachers may qualify for the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. Selection of candidates is based on the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA), a minimum of 3.25, and on the TEACH Grant eligibility criteria. Candidates may monitor award status via CSU X-Press.

Beginning with the Fall 2010 semester, undergraduate students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, and is under 24 years old or enrolled in college at the time of the parent or guardian's death may be eligible to receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant equal to the amount of a maximum Pell Grant for the award year. Further information regarding eligibility requirements, and the the application process, for this grant will be forthcoming during the early-mid summer.

Year Round Federal Pell Grant Policy (.pdf)

Beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year students may be eligible for up to two scheduled awards (200%) per year of Pell Grant. Students who first receive Pell Grants on or after July 1, 2008, will be limited to 18 full-time semesters or 900% of Pell Grant.

Federal Perkins Loan (.pdf)

On October 22, 2009, Wayne D. Watson, Ph.D., President of Chicago State University, issued a Memorandum concerning “Procedures for Awarding and Disbursing the Perkins Loan”. Please be aware that funding is limited.

College Zone
"College Zone . . . The trusted source for college information". Powered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

FinAid
The "SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid". A comprehensive financial aid web site

Not sure what everyone is talking about? Refer to these extensive lists of financial aid terms . . .

Glossary, brought to you by the U.S. Department of

Education's Student Aid on the Web web site