Applying for Financial Aid

Important steps to take to apply for financial aid at Illinois Tech

Financial aid (for domestic students only) includes everything from government grants, loans, and scholarships to institutional grants and federal work-study. The first step you should take is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Office of Undergraduate Admission and the Office of Graduate Admission will evaluate all students for institutional scholarships and awards upon admission to the university. Domestic students are highly encouraged to seek additional financial aid by completing a FAFSA. If your financial situation has changed substantially since completing your FAFSA, domestic students can submit a Special Circumstance Appeal.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal and institutional financial aid you must be admitted as a degree-seeking student at Illinois Tech. Additionally, you must complete a FAFSA with the Department of Education.

The FAFSA for Fall 2024 students is available to complete.

When completing a FAFSA, be certain to take note of the following:

  • Illinois Tech’s school code is 001691
  • The FAFSA should be filed when the application is released to avoid risking eligibility for federal and state grants
  • The Department of Education will email your FAFSA Submission Summary once your FAFSA has been processed.
  • Errors preventing the FAFSA from calculating an Student Aid Index (SAI) will be listed in your FAFSA Submission Summary. Be certain to correct any inaccurate information, if requested.
  • Award letters for admitted students are emailed in March. If you complete a FAFSA after mid/late-March, expect to receive your award letter roughly two weeks after the FAFSA is completed.

For more tips and resources on completing the FAFSA, read our Resource Page.

Undocumented Students

Domestic undergraduate students without a J-1, F-1, or H-4 visa and who are ineligible to submit a FAFSA can be considered for additional financial aid by completing the Application for Additional Financial Aid Consideration form. This form and additional financial information for undocumented students are located on the Resources for Undocumented Students page.

Verification

The Department of Education randomly selects a portion of all FAFSA applications for verification. After our admission office receives your FAFSA Submission Summary, you may need to submit additional information to our office to verify your FAFSA data. Students selected will receive an email. Incoming first-year students should note that this email will be sent to their hawk.iit.edu accounts. The verification process needs to be completed before Illinois Tech can disburse your federal and state awards.*

Financial Aid Appeal

The Office of Financial Aid realizes a student may face life events that cause their financial situation to change. Illinois Tech can exercise professional judgment to reevaluate a domestic undergraduate student's financial aid package provided the appropriate documentation is on file. Learn more about aid appeals.

*The Collens Scholarship is also contingent upon verification. This award cannot disburse until verification is complete.

More Benefits

Divvy For Everyone

Chicago's Divvy bike-sharing program offers the city's residents an affordable, accessible, and fun transportation option. With Divvy for Everyone (D4E), qualifying students can take part with a $5 annual membership.