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 a FAFSA?
The FAFSA can be filed anytime after January 1 of the senior year. A college does not have to be selected prior to filing the FAFSA, but you do need to file your FAFSA prior to Concordia's priority award date of April 1st to be sure you'll receive the best possible aid package from us! You can file a paper version of the FAFSA or apply online at http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov. If you file by paper the results will be mailed to you within four weeks; if you file online you'll receive the results within two weeks. Don't forget to send your signature page to the processor if you file online.

How can I find out the status of my application?
Any applicant can check his or her application status by going to http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov. You can make corrections to your information, submitted on paper or electronically, on that site as long as you have a PIN. You can request a PIN at http://www.pin.ed.gov. If you file a paper FAFSA, include the postcard that comes with it. The processor will stamp the postcard with the date they received your FAFSA and mail the postcard back to you.

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 forms, W-2 forms, bank statements and investment records for both parents and students.

When should I expect my Concordia financial aid award letter?
Once a student's financial aid file is complete, an award letter will be mailed out within 7-10 days. To complete a file, Concordia needs a signed copy of the parent and student federal 1040 tax form, the Student Aid Report (SAR), and Concordia's Application for Student Assistance. The FAFSA results are sent to the university electronically after the student has applied, but the Student Aid Report serves as a backup in case the electronic results are delayed.

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. Organizations like FastWeb and HigherEdNet provide a good listing of web sites and have listings of scholarships available online.

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.

How can I tell if a scholarship search service 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 http://studentaid.ed.gov/. Help completing the FAFSA is available online, too: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/index.html.

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 or Lifetime Learning 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.