Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office staff is committed to helping you identify your options for paying for college as well as guiding you through the process.
Use our helpful checklist to get you started in the financial aid application process.
Check the important Financial Aid dates and deadlines for upcoming semesters.
NOTE: Dates are subject to change at any time. Dates apply to students with a completed financial aid file. Delays in documentation submission can impact disbursement dates. Funds are applied to direct costs up until the refund dates indicated. Any eligible refund applied after the initial refund dates will be processed on the Thursday of the following week.
Fall 2025
| Event | Date |
| MAP, Pell, FSEOG and Student Loans applied to accounts for returning students | Sunday, Aug. 10 |
| Funds available for Kish Store | Monday, Aug. 11 |
| Title IV refund date | Thursday, Sept.18 |
| Loans applied for first-time borrowers | Sunday, Sept. 21; Eligible Refunds issued Thursday, Sept. 25 |
| 2026-27 FAFSA Available | Wednesday, Oct. 1 |
| Deadline for Foundation scholarships | Wednesday, Oct. 15 |
| Late-start aid applied | Thursday, Oct. 23 |
| Late-start refunds sent | Thursday, Oct. 30 |
| 2026-27 MAP priority deadline | Monday, Dec. 1 |
| Fall loan request deadline | Thursday, Dec. 4 |
| End of semester | Friday, Dec. 12 |
Spring 2026
| Event | Date |
| Pell, FSEOG and Student Loans applied to accounts for returning students | Sunday, Jan. 4 |
| Funds available for Kish Store | Monday, Jan. 5 |
| Title IV refund date | Thursday, Feb.12 |
| Loans applied for first-time borrowers | Sunday, Feb. 15; Eligible Refunds issued Thursday, Feb.19 |
| Deadline for Foundation scholarships | Sunday, March 15 |
| Late-start aid applied | Thursday, March 26 |
| Late-start refunds sent | Thursday, April 2 |
| Spring loan request deadline | Thursday, April 30 |
| End of semester | Friday, May 15 |
Summer 2026
| Event | Date |
| Pell, FSEOG and Student Loans applied to accounts for returning students. | Sunday, May 17 |
| Funds available for Kish Store. | Monday, May 18 |
| Title IV refund date. | Thursday, June 11 |
| Late-start aid applied. | Sunday, June 28 |
| Late-start refunds sent. | Thursday, July 2 |
| Deadline for Academic Achievement and Dual Credit. | Friday, July 31 |
Keep up-to-date with the following information. We will notify you of any new developments or requirements for each year’s financial aid.
- The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now available for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026. Financial aid offers for next year will be processed in February 2026.
- Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is available to Illinois residents who are unable to apply for federal financial aid due to being an undocumented or transgender individual.
When you have reviewed the checklist, important dates and important information, you are ready to apply for financial aid.