Apply Now for Federal, State and Institutional Financial Aid for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The time to apply for financial aid for Academic Year 2023-2024 (Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) began October 1, 2022. The Office of Financial Assistance encourages all UIS students to apply by December 1, 2022, to avoid missing any grant opportunities. Our Federal School Code is 009333.
Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the Illinois Alternative Application. Please visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act page for complete details.
FAFSA Overview Video (StudentAid.gov)
How to Fill Out the FAFSA Video (StudentAid.gov)
You will need information from your (and your parent(s) if you are a dependent student for FAFSA purposes) 2021 federal tax return. When completing the income sections of the FAFSA, you are given the option to have this data retrieved directly from the IRS. UIS strongly encourages you to use this IRS Data Retrieval process which will automatically transfer your (and your parent’s) 2021 Federal Tax Return information into your FAFSA. The benefit of utilizing the IRS Data Retrieval process is that it minimizes the possibility of being selected by the federal processor for a process called verification which will require you to submit documentation to UIS before your financial aid can be disbursed. Follow the IRS Data Retrieval directions on the FAFSA site to complete the income retrieval process.
Students should aim to submit their financial aid application and any required missing information to the Office of Financial Assistance prior to the following dates each term:
- Fall: November 15
- Spring: April 15
- Summer: June 15
Timely and completed applications allow for us to process aid accurately and provide students the opportunity to be considered for maximum aid. Certain programs may be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore, it is always advisable to apply early.
E-Offer Notifications (Electronic Offer Notifications)
New and returning students applying for financial assistance will receive their financial aid offer notifications electronically. You will be notified that your e-offer is ready to be viewed via an e-mail to your official UIS e-mail address, as well as any other e-mail addresses we may have on file for you. As such, it is extremely important to verify that your email account(s) are valid. Furthermore, you should be checking your official UIS email account regularly, at least once a week, for updates on your financial aid status and other important financial aid notifications or billing information. You will then be able to access your E-Offer Notification and Check Your Financial Aid Status. Students will no longer receive paper offer letters.