
Chicago State Financial Aid: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago State Financial Aid Chicago State Financial Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide Chicago State Financial Aid: Pros and Cons Conclusion
Chicago State University (CSU) is committed to providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. CSU offers a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Need-Based Financial Aid
According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year was $9,970 for in-state students and $19,020 for out-of-state students. CSU recognizes that many students need financial assistance to cover these costs.
CSU offers a variety of need-based financial aid programs, including:
- Federal Pell Grants: These grants are available to low-income undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $6,895.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): These grants are available to low-income undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The maximum FSEOG award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $4,000.
- Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP): This grant is available to Illinois residents who demonstrate financial need. The maximum MAP award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $5,372.
Merit-Based Scholarships
CSU also offers a number of merit-based scholarships to recognize students with academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships include:
- Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 24 or higher. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for four years.
- University Scholars Program: This program offers scholarships to incoming freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ACT score of 21 or higher. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.
- Honors College Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who are accepted into the CSU Honors College. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for four years.
Loans
CSU offers a variety of loan programs to help students cover the costs of education. These loans include:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The government pays the interest on these loans while the student is enrolled in school.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to all undergraduate and graduate students. The student is responsible for paying the interest on these loans while enrolled in school.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are available to parents of undergraduate students and to graduate students. The interest rate on these loans is higher than the interest rate on subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Work-Study Programs
CSU offers a variety of work-study programs that allow students to earn money to help pay for their education. These programs include:
- Federal Work-Study Program: This program provides part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need.
- Institutional Work-Study Program: This program provides part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students who do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at CSU, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Deadlines
The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is March 1. However, students can still file the FAFSA after this deadline.
Additional Resources
For more information about financial aid at CSU, students can visit the Office of Financial Aid website at www.csu.edu/financial-aid/.
Conclusion
CSU offers a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. Students who demonstrate financial need can apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can make their education more affordable.
Q: How much financial aid can I receive?
A: The amount of financial aid you can receive depends on your financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
Q: What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
A: The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is March 1. However, students can still file the FAFSA after this deadline.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for financial aid?
A: Even if you don’t qualify for financial aid, you may still be able to receive assistance from CSU. The university offers a variety of payment plans and scholarships that can help you make your education more affordable.
Q: How can I apply for financial aid?
A: To apply for financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Q: Where can I get more information about financial aid?
A: For more information about financial aid at CSU, you can visit the Office of Financial Aid website at www.csu.edu/financial-aid/.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The first step to applying for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Step 2: Submit the FAFSA
Once you have completed the FAFSA, you must submit it to the federal government. You can submit the FAFSA online or by mail.
Step 3: Wait for your Student Aid Report (SAR)
Once you have submitted the FAFSA, you will receive a SAR. The SAR will summarize the information you provided on the FAFSA and will include your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Step 4: Apply for financial aid at CSU
Once you have received your SAR, you can apply for financial aid at CSU. To apply for financial aid, you must complete the CSU Financial Aid Application. The CSU Financial Aid Application is available online at www.csu.edu/financial-aid/.
Step 5: Review your financial aid award
Once you have applied for financial aid, you will receive a financial aid award letter from CSU. The financial aid award letter will list the types and amounts of financial aid you have been awarded.
Step 6: Accept your financial aid
Once you have reviewed your financial aid award letter, you must accept the financial aid you have been awarded. You can accept your financial aid online or by mail.
Step 7: Use your financial aid
Once you have accepted your financial aid, you can use it to pay for the costs of education. You can use your financial aid to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.
Pros:
- CSU offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
- CSU has a priority deadline for filing the FAFSA of March 1.
- CSU offers a variety of payment plans and scholarships to help students make their education more affordable.
Cons:
- The amount of financial aid you can receive depends on your financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
- You may have to repay your loans after you graduate.
- Work-study programs can take away from your time for studying.
CSU offers a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can make their education more affordable.