Financial Aid Overview

Overview of the Financial Aid Process

Students must follow the following steps in order to apply for federal financial aid. This does not include applying for scholarships or other types of private financial aid. Chicago-Kent's Office of Financial Aid is available to help you through this process, and provide additional resources such as budgeting components, information on other types of aid, and loan repayment resources. The U.S. Department of Education also provides a website with comprehensive information on student financial aid.

1. FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it becomes available in December 2023 and list the Chicago-Kent College of Law FAFSA school code E00773. 

2. FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) via email or mail. Review the FSS and any comments noted by the Department of Education. Make any necessary corrections with the Department of Education and make sure that the Chicago-Kent school code is on your FSS. If not, we will not receive your FAFSA.

3. Financial Aid Award Notification

Admitted students who have submitted their FAFSA with the Chicago-Kent school code should start receiving their financial aid notification by email beginning in March.

4. Award Review and Acceptance

Log into your Financial Aid Dashboard by visiting your Access Illinois Tech account at access.iit.edu and click on the “Award Offer” tab to view and accept, modify, or decline the award(s) offered to you. If you are borrowing federal student loans, it is to your advantage to accept the Federal Unsubsidized Loan before the Federal Graduate Plus Loan.

5. Required Documents

Complete a Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) for each Federal Direct loan type you accept and complete the required Loan Entrance Counseling session on the Department of Education’s website at studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling.

6. Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid (scholarships and student loans) is disbursed in equal installments each semester. If all requirements are complete, student loan funds and scholarships should be disbursed directly to your student account prior to the start of each semester. The Student Accounting Office processes refunds. If you are expecting a refund after your financial aid is disbursed, please contact their office at sa@iit.edu or 312.567.3794.