What type of financial aid can I receive?
The primary source of graduate student aid from the federal government is the Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Program. The federal Pell Grant and state grants are not available at the graduate level.
How do I apply for Federal Financial Aid?
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at fafsa.ed.gov. If you completed a FAFSA last year, complete a renewal FAFSA. You must "e-sign" your FAFSA with your pin. Completion should take about 15-20 minutes.
I don't remember my pin or don't have one. How do I obtain it?
Go to pin.ed.gov.
What information do I need to complete my FAFSA?
You need The Chicago School FAFSA school code, your Social Security number, driver's license, income tax returns, bank statements, and any investment records. Parents' information is NOT needed as you are considered an independent student.
What is The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's school code?
B07022
What is the easiest way to complete the FAFSA?
Completing a FAFSA paper worksheet then transferring the data to the FAFSA application online.
When should I complete/renew my FAFSA?
You should complete/ renew your FAFSA annually, however it is recommended that you complete your current tax forms prior to filing your FAFSA, so that you can retrieve your tax information directly on the FAFSA website. This option on your FAFSA will be available between seven and ten business after you have submitted your federal tax returns. The recommended date to complete the FAFSA is by March 1 of each year.
What is the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized Stafford loan?
A subsidized Stafford Loan is a loan in which the government pays the interest for a student while he/she is in school and during the grace period.
An unsubsidized Stafford Loan accrues interest immediately upon disbursement. However, a student does not have to start repaying until six months after his/her last date of attendance. We recommend, however, that you pay the interest each month, which is about $30 to $50.
How soon does the school receive my FAFSA information?
It takes usually about seven to ten business days before the school receives your information.
When will I receive my award letter?
Once you have completed your FAFSA and have submitted any additional required documents, an "estimated award letter" will be sent within 2-5 weeks. (You will need to sign and return the letter.) We begin to process awards letters for the fall start mid-February.
What steps do I need to do to ensure my financial aid is not delayed?
- Sign and return your estimated award letter
- Complete and return the Financial Aid Institutional Application
- Complete and e-Sign your master promissory note at studentloans.gov
- Complete the entrance counseling at studentloans.gov
- Submit all missing documents prior to the start of the term
I'm eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS), how can I get a job?
Please note that if you are eligible for FWS, you are not guaranteed a job. Available student FWS job listings can be viewed on The Chicago School job board.
Must I be registered as a full-time student to be eligible for financial aid?
No, but you need to be at least part time and you may not be eligible for the full amounts.
I'm a new student, how much am I eligible to receive in Stafford Loans?
Full- and part-time Psy.D, Ph.D., M.A., Ed.S., and Business Psy.D. students are eligible for up to $10,250 per semester.
Chicago Clinical Psy.D. students are eligible for up to $16,500 per semester.
Am I eligible for financial aid in the summer?
Yes, if you are at least part time.
Psy. D, Ph.D., M.A., Ed.S, and Business Psychology Psy.D. students students can be eligible for up to $10,250 in Stafford Loans.
Chicago Clinical Psy.D. students can be eligible for up to $12,389 in Stafford Loans.
If you are working on dissertation or internship, you will receive similar amounts to part-time students. The number of years you have been in your program and your COA (cost of attendance) budget will be used to determine this amount. The official amount will be available to view on ePortal.
Will I get financial aid if I am just registered for one credit hour?
There are some courses that are automatically considered part time, please make sure you review the Student Handbook, for a list of courses.
I need additional funding to pay my May or June rent. When will I receive my summer refund?
If all financial aid requirements have been met, summer financial aid refunds will be available starting June 1st through June 12th. We will contact you when your refund will be direct deposited or available for pick-up.
Can I get an early disbursement of my financial aid?
We do not offer early disbursements of loan money nor do we disburse emergency loans.
When will I receive my refund?
Refunds are available starting the first week of each semester. You cannot receive your refund prior to the start of any semester. Please monitor your ePortal account for the most up-to-date information.
I noticed my financial aid or my refund was posted to my account, when will I receive my refund?
Please allow 2-5 business days after it has been posted to your ePortal account, to receive your refund.
Is direct deposit available for refunds?
Yes, please complete the Direct Deposit Authorization for Financial Aid Refunds form.
How much is my refund?
To determine your refund amount, subtract your tuition and fees charges from your scheduled financial aid.
My refund seems to be less this semester than last. Why is this?
- If this is your first year, you most likely had your $500 tuition deposit credited to your account last semester
- You are registered for more hours this semester than previous terms
- Tuition and fees have increased
- You received less financial aid this semester
What if I add or drop a class?
Students will be assessed the appropriate fees associated with his/her add or drop. A student may need to make an additional payment even if he/she have already received a financial aid refund check. An outstanding balance on your account as a result of adding or dropping a course may prevent you from obtaining transcripts or future course registration. You may view your student account balance and make payments via the ePortal.
What does "ACH" mean on my student account on ePortal?
ACH means your refund will be direct deposited to your bank account.
What does a stipend mean on my student account on ePortal?
A stipend means a check has been cut. Please allow 2-5 days processing time for this to be allocated.
How do I consolidate my loans?
You can only consolidate your loans if you have graduated and are still within your grace period or you have entered repayment. The last year for in-school consolidation to be accepted was 2006.
What funding options do I have other than Stafford Loans?
The Chicago School offers fellowships, scholarships, and faculty and teaching assistantships as part of our institutional aid program to full-time students. Another option is a Graduate PLUS or an alternative loan. We highly recommend that you first apply for a Grad PLUS Loan versus an alternative loan. The benefits for Grad PLUS are similar to the benefits of Stafford loans such as, it has fixed rate 7.9, you will be able to defer and/or consolidate. With an alternative loan, the interest is variable and you are not able to defer or consolidate. Both the Grad PLUS and alternative loans require certification from the school. We cannot certify aid above a student's cost of attendance.
How do I know if I have been awarded a scholarship?
Scholarship notifications will me mailed at least a month after the deadline to all scholarship applicants.
What if my financial aid does not cover my tuition?
Please contact Office of Student Accounts to set-up payment arrangements.
I have a two holds - a transcript and registration hold. What does this mean?
It means you have a billing hold. This prevents you from registering for courses and requesting transcripts due to an unpaid balance. Your balance must be paid prior to being able to register or request transcripts. For more information, please see the Student Handbook or contact the Office of Student Accounts.
I have an FA hold on my account. Can I register for classes?
An FA hold will not prevent a student from registering or requesting transcripts. It does mean that we need to look a carefully at your FAFSA information, which may require some more documentation from you.
Questions Regarding Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The recently enacted College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) creates a new loan forgiveness option for borrowers who hold public service jobs. Borrowers who meet requirements outlined in the law may be eligible to have a portion of their student loan debt forgiven. This article answers many of the questions student loan borrowers have been asking since the CCRAA went into effect last October.
Download this PDF to learn more.
Grad PLUS FAQs