FAQ'S ABOUT FINANCIAL AID
How do I qualify for scholarships at North Park?
First, you have to be admitted to North Park University. Each graduate program has its own criteria for its scholarship program. Check out Types of Graduate Financial Aid for more specific details.
How do I qualify for other types of financial aid?
The other type of aid available to graduate students is Stafford Loans. In order to be eligible for a Stafford Loan, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This can be done online. North Park's School Code is 001735. Once we receive your FAFSA, we will send you a financial aid package, notifying you of how much you can borrow in the Stafford Loan program. Annual loan limits are set by the federal government, and are also dependent on the cost of attendance for your program.
Do I have to file a FAFSA every year?
Yes. The FAFSA must be completed every year in order to be eligible for Stafford Loans. If you filed the FAFSA last year, you can complete a Renewal FAFSA online. The Department of Education will send you information about completing this form. You will use the same PIN to sign your FAFSA each year. If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, visit www.pin.ed.gov to have it re-sent to you.
What is an EFC and how is it used to determine my eligibility for financial aid?
When you file the FAFSA, the information you report is used to calculate your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is the amount of money the federal government thinks that you and your family can pay for a year of school. The EFC is used to establish your financial need (Cost of Attendance minus EFC equals need), a figure that determines whether or not your Stafford Loans will be subsidized or unsubsidized.
Do I need to file my taxes before I apply for financial aid?
Yes. We recommend filing the FAFSA after you (and your spouse) have completed your federal income taxes. You may complete the form by using estimated income information. However, the likelihood of being selected for verification increases when estimated figures are used. If you do use estimated figures, you should review the income information originally reported on the FAFSA after you file your income taxes, and make any necessary changes. Corrections to your FAFSA information can be done online.
What should I do if changes occur after I file the FAFSA?
If a change in your current family situation occurs, such as loss of employment or income, separation or divorce, and any other situation that may affect your family's ability to contribute to the cost of education, contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss filing an appeal.
I just received my financial aid package, but it's not going to cover my expenses. Are there any other options?
Contact your financial aid advisor as you might be eligible for additional loan funds to help with your outstanding balance. There are also payment plans available to assist you in paying your outstanding balance.
Do I get any sort of a discount for having kids in college at the same time that I am attending school?
No. The government does not make any allowance for parents attending college.