How Do I Pay for Graduate School?
Financial Aid Process • Payment Plans
Payment Options
We know that paying for your graduate degree is an important factor when choosing a school. Contact the Graduate Information Office to talk more about the key factors to consider – or, read on to learn about the different ways you can finance your graduate degree.
Financial Aid Process
Applying for Financial Aid
Complete all steps below to apply for financial aid. Note: There are financial aid options that are not based on need. Most students in the off-campus programs use financial aid to pay for the program. We recommend that you complete these steps as soon as possible to make sure that your payment arrangements are in order by the first night of class. For help, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (708) 209-3113.
*Please note: Endorsement Only programs are NOT eligible for Financial Aid. Only degree granting programs are eligible for Financial Aid.
Students beginning in Summer or Fall 2024 should submit the 2024-2025 form. You will need your 2022 Federal Tax Return. All students will need your FSA ID (https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing) and Concordia University Chicago’s School Code (001666). Graduate students are considered independent for financial aid purposes.
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy
You will receive this form 7-10 days after the FAFSA is submitted. If there are any errors on your SAR, log back into your FAFSA to make corrections.
You will receive your financial aid award letter from Concordia University Chicago
This lists the financial aid that you qualify for. If you wish to decline all or a portion of the award, notify the Financial Aid Office in writing. Be sure to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions about your award.
Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note
Entrance Counseling is only required for first time Federal Direct Loan borrowers; all borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. Both can be completed at www.studentaid.gov (you will need your FSA ID from Step 1).
Federal Loan Requirements
To be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Direct Loan Program, you must:
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
Not be in default on prior educational loans
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at (708) 209-3113.
The Federal (Title One) Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
If you and your school qualify, this program may provide loan forgiveness for eligible Federal Direct Loans. This is a separate program requiring separate forms and processes. The U.S. Department of Education will determine your eligibility for this program; Concordia University Chicago is not responsible to verify your eligibility for this program. Please do not base your enrollment on this program, as it can be difficult to ensure qualification for government programs which are subject to reform and funding changes.
You must call 1-800-4-FED-AID to verify your eligibility or visit https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher for more information.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 a year in grant assistance to students who are completing coursework towards certain high-need fields. In order to be eligible for a grant, a student must submit a FAFSA form and sign an Agreement to Serve as a full-time teacher at certain low-income schools and within certain high-need fields for at least four academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which the candidate received a grant. The U.S. Department of Education and Student Financial Services Office will determine your eligibility for this program. The TEACH Grant converts to an unsubsidized Direct Loan if the student fails to complete any part of his or her obligation. This loan, plus interest, must be repaid.
**We offer four TEACH Grant eligible programs – Reading Master’s with Endorsement, Master’s Completion – ESL, Curriculum and Instruction Master’s with ESL Endorsement and Special Education Master’s with Endorsement (LBS 1)**
Payment Plan
Concordia University Chicago offers a payment plan that allows you to spread your tuition payments over the period of each course, and break your tuition bill into more manageable payments. Typically, each course’s tuition is broken up into three equal payments. This option can be combined with financial aid in order to reduce your total student loan balance. Payment plans are arranged through the Office of Student Business Services at Student.Accounts@CUChicago.edu or 708-209-3241.
Satellite Cohort Tuition Discounts
Additional tuition discounts may be available for districts wishing to begin a satellite cohort partnership. We can start a program specific cohort within your district with a minimum of ten interested candidates and discounting is available for additional enrollment beyond ten.
•20 students = additional 20% discount
•15-19 students = additional 15% discount
•12-14 students = additional 10% discount
If you or your district are interested, please contact our office at 708-957-5994 or hkains@graduateprogram.org for more details!
For help, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (708) 209-3113.
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