Graduate Admissions: First Steps

Declaration of Intent

Please complete the Declaration of Intent - Graduate online form as soon as possible to let us know whether you will be joining us. 

Activate your ARTIC online account

In order to make online deposits, view financial aid, and review billing information, you will need to activate your ARTIC account. This account will also provide you with access to your SAIC email, the student portal, online self-services, library databases, and much more!

Please note that you will need your SAIC ID number in order to complete this online process. 

Activate your account here

For more information about your ARTIC account, visit the startit.artic.edu online help desk website.

Questions?
Contact SAIC's Computer Resources and Information Technology (CRIT) help desk at 312.345.3535 or crithelpdesk@saic.edu.

Apply for Financial Aid

You will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, using our school code 001753 to be eligible for need-based financial aid (such as SAIC, state, and federal grants; loan opportunities; and Work-Study). We encourage you to file your FAFSA early, as some types of assistance are limited and may have early deadlines.

In early March, SAIC begins awarding financial aid for eligible students who have completed the FAFSA. An official award letter outlining your financial aid will be sent to you once your file has been reviewed and your eligibility has been determined.

Outside Scholarships

We recommend reviewing scholarship search engines, such as those listed on the SAIC website. Also consider scholarships offered by any professional, community, or religious organizations of which you are a member. Student Financial Services should be notified of any outside scholarships received. For additional outside scholarship information, see our helpful resources. 

Important Dates

Priority Deadline for filing the FAFSA: March 1
SAIC begins mailing awards for Fall 2012: March 1
Priority Deadline for Completing Loan Applications: July 1

In early March, SAIC begins awarding financial aid for eligible students who have completed the FAFSA. An official award letter outlining your financial aid package will be sent to you once your file has been reviewed and your eligibility has been determined.

Questions? Our financial aid advisors are here at every step in the process to help you finance your education at SAIC. Don't hesitate to contact us at 312.629.6600, or email us at finaid@saic.edu.

For more information, visit our financial aid website.

Pay Tuition Deposit

The $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit must be made no later than April 1 or three weeks after the date posted on your admissions letter in order to secure your space for the incoming class.

To make your tuition deposit once your Artic account is active, please go to:

  1. Login to SAIC's Portal
  2. Click on SAIC Self-Service under the Quicklinks menu of the Home tab
  3. Re-enter your login information
  4. Under My Account: Click CASHNet > payments > set-up authorized users link
  5. Click on make a payment or ARTICard Deposit link
  6. Click on Enrollment Deposit link

Though online payment is the preferred method for paying your tuition deposit, you may also mail a check to:

SAIC Graduate Admissions
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1201
Chicago, IL 60603

Questions?
Contact the Admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242, or gradmiss@saic.edu.