Learn more about how you can make college affordable for you, including financial aid programs, grants and scholarships. Simply select one of the following topics to jump to that section of the page to get an overview, and then view all of the programs and scholarships available to you.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Follow these simple steps to apply for financial aid today. Learn more about applying for aid.When do I apply for financial aid?
See the dates for applying. View this year's dates.
How do I apply for financial aid?
- Apply for admission to Sandburg.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Illinois financial aid alternative application, if applicable.
- Include Sandburg’s school code: 007265.
- Sandburg offers free one-on-one assistance for completing your FAFSA®. Sign up here.
- Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans, should complete the FAFSA. You wouldn’t want to leave any financial assistance on the table.
- Monitor your financial aid status at mySandburg / Self-Service Menu / Financial Aid / and your Sandburg email account.
- Complete any required documents and upload them to Financial Aid on mySandburg.
- Monitor your mySandburg account for additional requests. Once processing is complete, you’ll receive an email and be able to view your offer letter on Financial Aid Self-Service.
- View and apply for scholarships.
- You can also apply for a student loan, if you want to, once your offer letter is posted.
- Reapply annually for the FAFSA® (once it opens, typically in October, but this past year was in December), as well as for scholarships.
What is the Illinois Financial Aid Alternative Application?
The is for state aid only, providing a pathway to apply for monetary award program (MAP) grants for qualifying undocumented students Most students in Illinois will file the , rather than the alternative application, to simultaneously apply for federal, state and institutional aid, including MAP grants.
To receive a MAP grant, all students, whether completing the FAFSA® or the alternative application, must still meet the eligibility criteria of the MAP program.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides free assistance to students and families, in English or Spanish, to complete the FAFSA® or the alternative application. Visit ISAC's website, or call 800. 899.ISAC (4722).
When do I apply for financial aid?
2024-25
- Apply Dec. 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.
- Use income from 2022.
- Fall 2024, spring 2025, summer 2025
Tuition and fees are due approximately three weeks before each semester. If financial aid eligibility isn’t determined by the tuition due date, you’re responsible for:
- Paying your tuition in full
- Signing up for a payment plan
How do I transfer financial aid to Sandburg?
Financial aid doesn't automatically transfer between institutions. If you're a transfer student and didn't initially include Sandburg on your FAFSA®, you'll need to:
- Visit the FAFSA site.
- Select Returning User / Login.
- Select I am a student and want to access the FAFSA® form.
- Ensure the appropriate FAFSA year is selected.
- Scroll down, and select Add or Change Schools.
- Add Sandburg's school code: 007265.
- Resubmit the FAFSA.
Your information will be received by Sandburg in approximately seven business days, and processing can take up to three weeks.
Special circumstances: Loss of income or change of circumstance affecting your ability to pay
If you and/or your parents (if you’re a dependent) experience one of the following changes in your circumstances that impacts your ability to pay college expenses, you may qualify for a recalculation of your eligibility:
- Loss of job or benefits
- A death or divorce
- Large medical expenses
- A one-time, non-recurring income shown on the tax return used to file the FAFSA®
Special circumstances applications can be submitted after April 1, and after you’ve been awarded or denied federal student aid based on your original application. Special circumstances may increase your eligibility for federal aid, and in some situations, the Illinois MAP grant. Select the appropriate application below:
- 24-25 Special Circumstances Dependent Student form
- 24-25 Special Circumstances Independent Student Form
Refer to the resources in the submenu at the top of this section for FAQs and more.