FAQ: Applying for Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information on applying for financial aid, please visit the Applying for Aid page.
What is a Federal Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
You will need a PIN to complete your FAFSA. The PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It's like the personal identification number that you get from your bank that enables you to access your account. Because your PIN serves as your electronic signature, you should not give it to anyone. You can apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
What is Cardinal Stritch University's school code?
Stritch's school code is 003837.
Do I have to submit a new FAFSA every award year?
Yes. However, if you applied for aid last year you may not have to complete an entire FAFSA, but may instead be able to use a renewal FAFSA which contains preprinted information from the previous year's FAFSA. You are required to update your income and other year-specific items on the Renewal FAFSA. Information that has not changed since the previous year does not need to be updated. You can access your Renewal FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Do I need to file my taxes before I apply for aid?
While it is an option to complete the FAFSA using estimated taxes, it may not be in your best interest to do so. If you use estimated taxes to complete the FAFSA, you must update your FAFSA with your official tax return numbers prior to receiving any financial aid. Failure to do so will result in delays in your financial aid. Remember that completing your tax return early does not mean that you must mail it to the IRS early.
Should I apply for financial aid even if my parents make a lot of money?
It is recommended that you fill out a FAFSA regardless of your or your parents' income. Financial aid is based on more factors than income level alone. For instance, family household size, number of people in college and the age of your parents all impact your financial aid eligibility. If your meet the basic eligibility requirements (please view the Financial Aid Eligibility page), you will be eligible for student loans regardless of your income.
I have been selected for verification - what does that mean?
Over 30% of all students will have their FAFSA selected for the verification process. These applicants will be required to submit specific documents requested by the Stritch Financial Aid Office. These documents will be used to verify information on the FAFSA. This process must be completed before students can receive a financial aid award offer.
How do I apply for financial aid if my parents are divorced or separated?
You should complete the FAFSA using the information from the parent that provided the majority of financial support during the past year. This is typically the parent with whom you lived during the past year. Remember, if the parent whose information you are reporting has remarried, you must include the income and asset information of the step-parent.
What if I have unusual circumstances concerning my dependency or financial status?
The formula used to establish a student's financial aid is the same for all students; however, in unique situations, the Stritch Financial Aid Office may use professional judgment to adjust the formula. These situations may include a job loss, unusual medical expenses, or abuse. If you believe that you have a unique situation, please contact the Stritch Financial Aid Office for further guidance.
Who should I contact if I need additional help completing the financial aid application process?
Each student is assigned a financial aid counselor to assist him or her through the financial aid process. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to speak to your financial aid counselor. You may also contact the Federal Student Aid Help Line toll-free at (800) 4-FED-AID.
I completed the FAFSA a while ago, but I haven't heard anything back - what should I do?
If you have not received a Student Aid Report (SAR), call the Federal Student Aid Help Line toll-free at (800) 4-FED-AID or visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ to find out if your FAFSA has been processed or to request a duplicate copy of your SAR.