Applying for Financial Aid
Thank you for your interest in the University of Illinois at Springfield. We are here to assist you through the processes of applying for and receiving financial assistance to fund your education. Students must apply for aid annually.
Aid Application for 2024-2025 (Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025)
You can apply for financial aid for Academic Year 2024-2025 by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA has been updated, and was launched in December 2023 instead of October for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Office of Financial Assistance encourages UIS students to apply by the priority filing deadline of March 15, 2024, to avoid missing any opportunities. You can find more information on the FAFSA changes on the FAFSA® Simplification page.
Students in Illinois who are not eligible to apply through the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the Illinois Alternative Application (RISE application). The alternative application is available now for 2024-25.
The UIS Federal School Code is 009333.
Aid Application for 2025-2026 (Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026)
You can soon apply for financial aid for Academic Year 2025-2026 by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is expected to launch on or before December 1, 2024. The Office of Financial Assistance encourages UIS students to apply by the priority filing deadline of April 15, 2025, to avoid missing any opportunities.
Students in Illinois who are not eligible to apply through the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the Illinois Alternative Application (RISE application). The alternative application is expected to be available near to the same time as the FAFSA.
The UIS Federal School Code is 009333.
- Revised Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of the 2025-26 Student Aid Index (SAI) and federal Pell Grant eligibility calculation.
- Updated resources to support creating a studentaid.gov account including a new stand-alone ‘parent wizard’ or contributor tool to help students and families determine who will need to provide contributor information on the 2025-26 FAFSA prior to starting the form.
FAFSA Tips
Here are some tips to consider before completing the FAFSA application.
- Stay informed- Check FAFSA communications and follow reputable sources regarding FAFSA information, updates, and/or glitches.
- Understand application changes and have necessary documentation - Utilize resources such as the Department of Education and FAFSA websites to understand changes to the application and gather documents needed to complete the FAFSA form.
- Utilize official support and school financial aid offices- StudentAid.gov resources such as online chat, FAQs, guides and other support and UIS Financial Aid office assistance.
- Address errors immediately- If you encounter a technical issue, contact the appropriate support such as the chat bot or reaching out to technical support. Be persistent in seeking resolution.
- Document and appeal- If faced with challenges, consider requesting a review with the financial aid office. Document extenuating circumstances and be prepared to provide this to support your case.
FAFSA Resources
- Federal Student Aid Resources - includes FAFSA resources such as videos, webinars, infographics and more.
- Understanding FAFSA & Financial Aid Guide - available in 10 languages
Students should aim to submit any required missing information to the Office of Financial Assistance no later than the following dates each term; however, earlier is better!
- Fall: November 15
- Spring: April 15
- Summer: June 15
Who is Eligible for Aid?
All US citizens and permanent residents can apply for financial aid. Of course, there are minimum requirements that are fairly standard for some aid programs. This eligibility requirements webpage contains standard federal student aid eligibility requirements.
Certain Illinois residents who are ineligible to apply through the FAFSA may be eligible to apply for state and institutional aid through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
How Is Financial Aid Determined?
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Amount of resources (tuition, fees, books/supplies, living expenses, food) a regular student is expected to incur.
Minus
Student Aid Index (SAI)
SAI is an eligibility index number that the financial aid office uses to determine student aid eligibility.
Equals
Student Financial Need
Financial Need is the difference between COA and SAI, and is used to determine how much need-based aid a student is eligible for.
Total Aid offered may not exceed a student's Cost of Attendance. Certain financial aid program are need-based, and may not exceed the Financial Need determined by the above formula.