The Financial Aid Process

North Park University offers two forms of financial aid:  scholarships and grants and student loans.

1. The only form that we require to be considered for all federal and state aid, including federal student loans, is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  You (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) will need a PIN to sign your form electronically.  The Financial Aid Office uses the information that your provide on the FAFSA to provide you with the best possible financial aid package.
   
   The FAFSA website will provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete the form.  Please be sure to indicate on the FAFSA that you want North Park to receive your information.  Our school code is 001735.
   
   Filing the FAFSA will generate your EFC (estimated family contribution).  This is the amount that the government feels that you and your family can pay for a year of school.  It is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state grant aid.
   
2. Once you have completed the FAFSA, the government will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR)electronically. Look over the SAR and make sure the information listed is correct. If you need to make any corrections to your SAR, do so online.
   
3. Approximately 30% of our students are selected for a process called verification. If you are selected for verification, you will be contacted by the Financial Aid Office requesting additional documents, such as federal tax forms, from you (and your spouse/parent(s), if applicable.). A financial aid package will not be created for you until you have completed verification.
   
4. Once you are admitted to a program, and we have received a valid FAFSA, we will send you a financial aid package that details how much federal and/or state aid you have been given (if eligible), as well details about how much you can borrow for the year in Stafford Loans.  Details about the loan application process will also be included. 
   

Maintaining Your Eligibility for Financial Aid

Your registration can impact your eligibility for financial aid.  You must be enrolled for at least 6 hours/semester to keep your student loans. If you are an Illinois resident receiving the Map Grant, you must be enrolled for 8 hours/semester to receive your full award (as listed on your financial aid package). 

You must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students who are in default on student loans are NOT eligible for financial aid. If you have a loan in default, contact your lender to make payment arrangements. Once we receive confirmation that your loan is in good standing, you will once again be eligible for financial aid.