Parent's FAQ

What is a FAFSA?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. In addition, it is used by the state of Illinois to determine eligibility for its need-based grants, and it is used by Concordia to determine eligibility for the Concordia need-based grant. The FAFSA is the most comprehensive determiner for most types of assistance.

When should I file the FAFSA?
The FAFSA can be filed anytime after January 1 of the senior year.  You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, but definitely prior to Concordia’s priority award date of April 1st.  This deadline is to assure that you will receive the best possible aid package from us!  Rest assured, FAFSA applications completed after that date will still be awarded, but some types of aid may no longer be available.

Where do I get the FAFSA application from?
You apply for the FAFSA online at http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov. To make sure that Concordia University Chicago receives a copy of your FAFSA results, make sure you list our school code: 001666. This application is FREE. If you are asked to pay a fee for processing, you have accidentally gotten to the wrong website.

What types of documents are needed in order to complete the FAFSA filing process?
You will need records of untaxed income, federal 1040 income tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements and investment records for both parents and students.

When should I expect my Concordia financial aid award letter?
Once you have been admitted to Concordia University, through the Admissions Office, and have completed your FAFSA, it normally takes 7-10 days. If your file has been selected for a process called “verification,” you may also be asked to complete a Verification Worksheet and send in signed copies of your tax returns.

Why should I file the FAFSA if I do not think I will be eligible for assistance?
Many private scholarship agencies require the FAFSA to be filed in order to be considered for their scholarships. And, in the event anything dramatically changes with the family’s finances during the academic year, the FAFSA on file can be used to determine additional aid types. Remember, the FAFSA needs to be filed each academic year for each child attending college.

Where should I look for other sources of financial aid?
Usually your high school guidance office has the best handle on what’s available in your area. Also, many local organizations and businesses provide grants and scholarships to help students attend college. Websites like www.fastweb.com and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s website www.collegezone.com are excellent sources of additional information on scholarships.

Will Concordia scholarships be reduced if my child earns an outside scholarship?
Absolutely not! Concordia encourages your child’s initiative and applauds the student who has researched outside sources of assistance. We will add those resources to any Concordia offered aid.

How many students receive financial aid?
100% of our students receive some type of assistance based on need and/or merit in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. There is a financial aid program for you that makes an outstanding Concordia Education possible.

How does a new student apply for a Concordia scholarship?
The application for admission is also the application for most institutional merit-based scholarships and awards.

How do I know if my congregation or Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) district provides scholarship funds?
The best way to find out is by applying. Concordia’s office of student financial planning has applications for congregation aid and LCMS district aid available to use. They are also available on Concordia’s Website at: http://www.cuchicago.edu/financial_planning/applications.asp

How can I tell if a scholarship is a scam?
Make sure information and offers are legitimate. The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act provides protection against fraud in student financial assistance. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions students to look for these telltale lines: “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back,” “You can’t get this information anywhere else,” “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship,” “The scholarship will cost some money.” If you have a question about a particular opportunity, feel free to give us a call.

What kind of help is available on the Internet from the department of education?
To find information on federal student aid and to view publications online, visit: www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov  or www.college.gov

What is a federal school code?
This code is needed to complete your FAFSA and to get the information sent to Concordia. Concordia’s federal school code is 001666.

Will the government give me a tax break?
Parents and students might qualify for a Hope Tax Credit, Lifetime Learning or other educational tax credit. For more information on these credits, visit http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf  You should also check with your tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education, explains these credits and other tax benefits. You can order the publication free from the IRS at 1-800-829-3676, or you can download the publication from the web at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.

Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL 60305 (708) 209-3113