Eligibility
Illinois State uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA, to determine eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA should be completed each year by our preferred filing date of November 15.
The FAFSA uses such factors as your family’s income, the number of people in your household and family assets to determine how much your family can afford to pay for your education.
Other criteria may affect your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. For example, you must:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- have a valid Social Security number
- be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at least half-time
- meet the academic standards University's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students who are not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid to apply for Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to attend Illinois State University.
Other types of aid such as private scholarships or loans may require other conditions and/or requirements. Before applying, check directly with the donor or lender.
Eligibility for Graduate Students
Your financial aid eligibility is based on your enrollment status, your classification as a student and the number of hours you are taking.
Enrolled Hours
For financial aid purposes:
- Five hours is considered half time
- Nine hours is considered full time
Calculating Your Hours
Only graduate level courses you take are included in the calculation of your financial aid eligibility. Undergraduate coursework is not included.
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Example 1: Graduate student considered half time
A student enrolled for five graduate hours and six undergraduate hours is considered a half-time graduate student because only the graduate hours are considered in the calculation of aid eligibility.
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Example 2: Graduate student considered less than half time
A student enrolled for three graduate hours and three undergraduate hours is considered less than half time because only graduate hours are counted in the calculation of aid eligibility. The student would not be eligible for Federal financial aid.