Financial Assistance

The primary purpose of the financial aid program at Governors State University is to assist students in obtaining the financial resources necessary to cover their educational costs. The Office of Financial Aid encourages all students to apply early for financial assistance.

Financial aid programs are designed to supplement student or family resources by bridging the gap between costs and the student’s or family’s measured ability to pay. The analysis of a student’s or family’s financial strength includes consideration of current income, assets, family size, number of family members in college, and any other factors that seriously alter a student’s or family’s financial situation.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements for federal and state sponsored financial aid vary, but generally, a student must:

1.       be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident;

2.       be admitted to a degree program; and

3.       be enrolled at least on a half-time basis (six hours) for most forms of aid.

Programs Available

The Office of Financial Aid administers and coordinates aid funds from federal, state, university, and private sources. The various aid programs available may be divided into four broad categories: grants/scholarships, loans, work, and tuition waivers. Grants and scholarships are referred to as “gift aid” since they are not repaid. Loans (generally low interest) must be repaid, with payments usually beginning six months after leaving school. Work is often available during the academic year either on- or off-campus. In addition, tuition waivers covering in-state tuition for both undergraduate and graduate students are available.

Application Procedures

The Office of Financial Aid accepts applications on a year-round basis. Students should apply for financial assistance when the decision to apply to at Governors State University is made.

Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on available programs and applica­tion forms. The application process varies from institu­tion to institution, and students must follow the proce­dures required at Governors State University to ensure timely processing of their requests. The financial aid application is not complete until all required forms, need analysis reports, and supporting documents are on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

To determine eligibility for all forms of need-based aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The forms are available at all colleges and universities, public libraries, Governors State University Financial Aid Office, or by calling 1.800.433.3243. FAFSA is also available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Students with FAFSA’s received at the Financial Aid Office by May 1 will receive priority consideration for campus-based financial aid. Students who apply after May 1 will be considered for campus-based aid only if the funds are available. Additional information and supporting documentation may be requested if the application is selected for verification.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid is posted to the student’s account after the 100 percent tuition refund deadline.  The Financial Aid Office offers a $300, $500 or $700 book card to students who meet certain criteria.  A book card is an advance on a student’s financial aid funds and will be deducted from the disbursement of awards just as tuition and fees are deducted.  Book cards are available the week before classes start (Block 1 only) and during the first week of the trimester only.

Veterans Assistance

For information concerning veterans benefits, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Please refer to “Repeating Courses,” “Independent Study,” and “Audit Registration” in the Academic Regulations section for pertinent information.