Financial Aid Resources, Policies, & Information for Current Students

A School of the Art Institute of Chicago education is an investment in your future; we’re here to help you plan for it. Our team is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information you need to thrive and flourish while you are here. Below you’ll find essential resources and information to help you manage your student accounts, employment opportunities, refunds, and important policies.

Renewing Your Financial Aid

Students should re-apply every year as soon as possible after October 1 for the upcoming academic year using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive maximum consideration for available funds. 

  • You will receive a confirmation from the federal government once your FAFSA application has been processed. Review the information and make corrections online. SAIC uses the SAI (Student Aid Index) each year as listed on the processed FAFSA known as the FSS (FAFSA Submission Summary) to determine federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility.

    After the student's first year, Student Financial Services does not mail award offers resulting from the FAFSA but rather sends only an automated email notifying them that their award offer can be now seen in Self-Service. SAIC awards need-based aid, student loan, and work-study offers to those students:

    • With a completed FAFSA on file for the award year
    • If chosen for verification according to their FAFSA results, once the verification process has been completed

    Previous borrowers of Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans who have been offered one of these loans again, as listed on their award offer, do not need to complete any additional steps to secure these loans; they are processed automatically.

    Parent borrowers of Federal Direct PLUS Loans must submit a new request at StudentAid.gov for each award year and for each Direct PLUS Loan desired.

Interior shot of the SAIC Sharp Building.

Manage Your Student Account

Stay on top of your financial responsibilities by managing your student account. Review important information regarding billing, payments, and account balances, and set up access for parents and/or others assisting with payments. 

People smiling and conversing over a table at orientation

Important Information for Parents

Attending SAIC is an investment in your students' future, and you are not alone in that investment. Find important financial aid information for parents and guardians in one spot.

Students of varying ethnicities, ages, and genders gathered indoors.

Student Employment Opportunities

Looking for work while studying? Explore various employment opportunities available to current students, including on-campus jobs and internships.

Payment Options, Plans, & Billing

Find essential information regarding payment options, important dates, and resources to help you manage your financial responsibilities.

An exterior shot of the Sharp Building on the SAIC campus in downtown Chicago.

Refunds, Delinquencies, & Advances

Understand the refund process, how to handle delinquencies, and learn about advances that may be available to you.

A person viewing wall art in a gallery space.

Policies & Procedures

Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures that govern student accounts and financial services.

Exterior shot of the entrance to SAIC's MacLean Center.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy law that gives students certain rights with regard to their own education records, such as the right to inspect and review their own records. Students should submit an electronic FERPA form by August 1 for fall and/or January 1 for spring to allow SFS to discuss their financial aid and student account information with parents/others.