Yes, you must complete the FAFSA each year to remain eligible for federal aid, including student loans. You and your parent (if you are a dependent student) will use the same FSA ID to sign the FAFSA annually.

If your financial aid exceeds your total bill, the excess funds can be used for educational expenses. Once all aid has been applied to your account and your charges are paid, you will receive a refund check. If you need funds for books before aid is disbursed, you can request up to $500 in a cash advance from Financial Aid.

North Park scholarships and grants are awarded by the Admissions Office upon application. To be considered for need-based aid and federal student loans, complete the FAFSA. Once admitted and after receiving your FAFSA and scholarship details, the university will create a financial aid package for you.

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated based on your FAFSA information and is used to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and North Park financial aid.

We recommend filing the FAFSA as soon as possible. Illinois residents seeking the Illinois MAP Grant should file by December 1.

If you experience a significant financial change (e.g., job loss, divorce), contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss a possible appeal for reconsideration of your award.

Financial Aid staff can assist with setting up a payment plan. You may also be eligible for additional loan funding—consult your financial aid advisor for options.

No, federal aid does not offer allowances for parents attending college alongside their children.

Once you complete the required loan documents, the funds will be disbursed electronically to your North Park account about a month into the term. You will receive an email notification when the funds arrive. If you have a credit balance, you will be issued a refund check.

Traditional undergraduate students are not eligible for grants or scholarships for summer courses, but may have remaining loan eligibility if they did not use their full annual loan amount during fall and spring. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details. Degree-completion and graduate students can receive financial aid for summer courses.

No, academic scholarships are based on pre-enrollment achievements and are not reevaluated after admission.

No, as a Division III school, North Park does not provide athletic scholarships.

About one-third of students are randomly selected for verification by the federal government. If selected, you will need to provide tax and income documents to confirm the accuracy of your FAFSA. Your financial aid remains “unofficial” until verification is complete.

Yes. Various factors, including household size and state of residence, influence aid eligibility. Additionally, a FAFSA is required to borrow student loans.

Report income from the parent who provides the most financial support, regardless of custody arrangements.

Possession or sale of a controlled substance can result in ineligibility for federal aid. The ineligibility period varies based on the offense. Eligibility may be restored by completing an approved drug rehabilitation program that includes two unannounced drug tests and meets federal or state qualifications.