Financial Aid Process
To be considered for financial aid at Illinois State, you must file a FAFSA each year. Our preferred filing period is October 1 - November 15.
If you plan to attend llinois State during the fall 2025, spring or summer 2026:
Submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA. Use tax information from 2023.
If you plan to attend Illinois State during the fall 2026, spring or summer 2027:
Submit your 2026-2027 FAFSA beginning October 1, 2025. Use tax information from 2024.
Illinois State University's school code is 001692
Need assistance? The federal government has a step-by-step guide, as well as representatives available via phone and live chat.
Confirm Your Information
After your FAFSA is processed, the federal government will send you a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary via email. Please review your FAFSA Submission Summary to make sure the information reported on the FAFSA is correct.
After you submit your application for financial aid, our office may need additional documents to complete your application. If there are outstanding documents needed by our office, we will not post an award notice online until the documents are submitted and reviewed. To see if you have outstanding documents with our office, check your To-Do List. Students can check their status at My.IllinoisState.edu. Once your offer letter is prepared, it will be posted in your portal.
Review Your Offer Letter
After your FAFSA is processed and no additional information is need, a financial aid offer letter will be provided in My.IllinoisState.edu.
Instructions on how to view and accept/decline financial aid offers.
First-time federal student loan borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note.
What Happens Next
Discover Additional Funding
Search for scholarships and consider loan options. Loans like the Parent PLUS loan or an alternative loan require additional time and paperwork, so plan ahead.
Review Your Bill
The Student Accounts Office will generate a bill for you a few weeks prior to classes starting. Your bill will include your direct charges (tuition, meal plan, and on-housing) and your credits (grants, scholarships, and loans).
Review Your To-Do List
You should regularly check your "To Do" list at My.IllinoisState.edu for any requested items needed from the University.