Financial Aid
Financing Your Education
A range of financial aid opportunities exist, including scholarships, grants, loans, and other resources, to support students of all financial backgrounds. Explore the available funding options and consider how best to plan for the road ahead.
Costs Overview
We know that cost is one of the most important parts of your enrollment decision. This section is designed to give you a clear, complete picture of what attending The Chicago School may cost, so you can plan with confidence and explore every option available to you.
Types of Aid
Many students rely on a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and other funding sources to meet their educational expenses. Below, you will find the financial aid opportunities available, organized by funding type.
Billing
We want the financial side of your enrollment to feel as manageable as the academic side. This section covers everything you need to know about how and when you’ll be billed, how to make payments, and what to do if your plans change.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here are two great first steps.
FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
Start the Financial Aid Process
Applying for financial aid can feel daunting but breaking it down into steps can make it much more manageable. Here’s exactly what to expect, in the order it happens. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a complete financial aid package before you know it.
STEP
01.
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the starting point for nearly all financial aid. The Chicago School’s school code is B07022.
STEP
02.
After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) — a summary of the information you provided and an initial estimate of your aid eligibility. Review it carefully and correct any errors as soon as possible. A complete and accurate SAR helps us process your aid without delays.
STEP
03.
Our financial aid office may request additional documentation to verify the information on your FAFSA — things like tax transcripts, proof of income, or household information. This process is called verification, and it’s a normal part of the process for many students. Respond to any requests promptly to keep your aid on track.
STEP
04.
Once your FAFSA is processed and any required documents are received, The Chicago School will send you a financial aid offer outlining the types and amounts of aid you’re eligible to receive. Take your time reviewing it — and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about what’s included or what it means for your out-of-pocket costs.
STEP
05.
You’re not required to accept everything in your offer. Review each component carefully, particularly any loans, and accept only what you need. Once you’ve made your selections, submit your acceptance by the deadline indicated in your offer letter.
STEP
06.
If you’re accepting federal loans for the first time, you’ll need to complete two additional requirements before your funds can be disbursed: Entrance Counseling, which ensures you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN), which is your formal agreement to repay the loan. Both are completed online at studentaid.gov.
STEP
07.
Financial Aid will post to your account after the Add/Drop period of each semester. If your aid exceeds your direct costs, any remaining balance will be refunded to you to help cover indirect expenses like housing and books.
STEP
08.
Financial aid is not automatically renewed. To continue receiving aid, you’ll need to submit a new FAFSA for each academic year — typically beginning October 1 for the following year. We’ll send reminders, but the earlier you submit, the better your chances of maximizing your aid package.
Support When You Need It
The Office of Financial Aid services all campuses of The Chicago School. Office hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Phone
(800) 684-2890 (select option 2;1).
Fax
Online Students: (312) 488-6304.
Campus-based Students: (855) 245-9408.
Email
Online Students: [email protected]
Campus-based Students: [email protected]