Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

STEP 1: Establish Your Federal Student Aid User ID and Password

As of May 2015, the FSA user ID has replaced the prior login method of the federal PIN number. You and at least one parent will each need an FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA online. It is necessary for each person to set up their own user ID, password and challenge questions.

Each FSA ID must also be tied to a unique email address.

You’ll use your FSA user ID for all Department of Education websites, in order to gain access to and complete your Direct Loan paperwork. More information is available from the Department of Education.

STEP 2: Complete Your FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education at https://fafsa.gov and enter our Federal School Code: 001666.

You will need the following information for the FAFSA application:

• FSA user ID
• Social Security number
• Driver’s license number and state
• W-2s and federal tax information
• details about bank accounts, net worth dollar amounts for investments and businesses, and dollar values for untaxed income.

If you are 24 or younger, your parents will also be required to submit information as part of the financial aid application process.

If you estimated your income information on your FAFSA, please be sure to update the information once you complete your income tax return. Incomplete information will delay the processing of your financial aid.

STEP 3: Finalize Your Financial Aid File

Once our Office of Financial Aid receives your FAFSA results, you will be notified if additional information is required. You can download the necessary forms by logging in to Concordia Connect.

After all the required documents are processed, you will receive a financial aid award letter in the mail.

You must accept or decline any loans or work-study awards in order to receive your funding. This can be completed online via Concordia Connect, or by returning a signed award letter. You may accept a reduced amount of your loan by specifying the amount you wish to borrow.

STEP 4: Receive Your Financial Aid Funds

When you have met all eligibility requirements, have fully completed your financial aid files, and have enrolled at least half time in classes, your financial aid funds will post to your student account according to the scheduled disbursement dates for each term.

In order to determine eligibility for any need-based grants, loans or student employment, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year.

Types of Aid

Federal and State Grants

Federal Pell Grant Program: A grant based on financial need, awarded by the federal government. The maximum Pell Grant is currently $6,345 for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Additional federal grant funding allocated to the University; awarded to Pell Grant recipients showing exceptional financial need.

Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP): Awarded by the state of Illinois to qualified Illinois residents. The award amount is based on enrolled credit hours; amounts vary from 3 to 15 enrolled credit hours.

Grant funding is only available to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree.

Aid for Active Duty Military and Veterans

Concordia University Chicago is grateful for current service members and veterans and is supportive of those who would like to start or continue their education. Multiple financial programs are available to assist veterans and their dependents in achieving a college education.

Multiple financial programs are available to assist veterans and their dependents in achieving a college education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides educational assistance to individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. One such program under The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is the Yellow Ribbon program, in which Concordia-Chicago is a participating institution.

Financial Aid Questions?

For assistance, call Concordia-Chicago’s financial aid help line at (708) 209-3347 or check out Concordia-Chicago’s Financial Aid website.