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 2026-2027 (Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027)

The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. The FAFSA was launched September 24, 2025. The Office of Financial Assistance encourages UIS students to apply by the priority filing deadline of March 15, 2026, to avoid missing any opportunities.

The FAFSA school code for UIS is 009333.

Aid Application for 2027-20278 (Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and Summer 2028)

The 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is expected to be available October 1, 2026. The Office of Financial Assistance encourages UIS students to apply by the priority filing deadline of March 15, 2027, to avoid missing any aid opportunities.

FAFSA Tips

Here are some tips to consider before completing the FAFSA application.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  • The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of the 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.
  • 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.

How Is Financial Aid Determined?

icons of money, school items, and clothes


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.

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