Application Processing Timeline
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please refer to the detailed processing timeline below.
Processing Your Application
Application Type | Application Timeline | Awarded Timeline |
---|---|---|
Summer Applicant | On or before April 6, 2020 | Early May through June |
Entering/New Students | On or before May 4, 2020 | Early June through July |
Continuing/Returning Students | On or before June 29, 2020 | Early August through September |
Please allow 2-4 weeks for requests for revisions to your financial aid award letter.
Understanding Your Award Letter
Financial Aid processes applications in chronological order, based on the date received. After reviewing and processing your application, we will send you an award letter by email. The letter will list the amount(s) you have been offered and the quarters in which the funds will be available to you. Please refer to the Application Processing Timeline above for details on when letters are emailed.
Accepting Your Awards Online
Your award letter outlines your financial assistance for this academic year. Financial Aid requires that you either accept, decline, and/or reduce the amount of your award. You may accept, decline, and/or reduce your award in your portal at my.UChicago.edu.
There are a few exceptions. You can Accept/Decline your total FWS award online. However, if you would like to accept a reduced amount of your FWS award, please send an email including the total amount of FWS that you would like to request to gradfinaid@uchicago.edu. If you would like to convert your FWS eligibility to a Federal Direct PLUS (Grad PLUS) Loan, please decline the entire FWS award in my.UChicago and include the amount in your request for a GradPLUS Loan.
Students cannot accept their GradPLUS Loan eligibility in my.UChicago. You may, however, decline your GradPLUS eligibility if you choose not to borrow this loan. Students who wish to apply for the GradPLUS loan must complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application at studentloans.gov after receiving their financial aid award letter. New Grad PLUS loan borrowers must also complete the Federal Direct PLUS loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling at studentloans.gov. Once we receive your completed and approved Federal Direct PLUS Application, we will accept the loan on your behalf.
Your loan funds will not disburse to your account if you have not accepted your award(s) or completed the required documents listed on your award notification.
Federal Work-Study
- Log into your student portal
- Click Finances> Financial Aid> Student Reports
- Select "FWS Authorization Form" from the report dropdown and click "View Report" (make sure pop-ups blockers are disabled on the page) *if experiencing trouble make sure to clear your cache, or use a different browser*
Graduate students can search for open positions via https://grad-uchicago-csm.symplicity.com/
Receipt of Additional Assistance
It is your responsibility to report any additional assistance (grants, tuition assistance, scholarships, outside sources, etc.) you will receive to Financial Aid that aren’t listed on your award letter. You may report this assistance in your my.UChicago portal. We may need to adjust your financial aid award based on the aid reported.
Your Obligation
You must notify Graduate Financial Aid if you reduce or increase your course load, change the quarters in which you will enroll or are no longer enrolled in a degree-granting program.
Tuition Bill
If your application is incomplete, your funds will not disburse to your tuition account. Contact the Graduate Financial Aid Office if you believe your application is incomplete. It is important to note that your advance tuition bill will be credited with the estimated amount of your Federal Direct Stafford Loan and will not reflect deductions for origination and guarantee fees.
You can view tuition billing dates and information the Bursar's website.
Availability of Funds/Refunds
Loan funds are disbursed to your student account at the beginning of each quarter you are enrolled. Refunds resulting from excess student loan funds are generally available beginning the first week of the quarter, provided you are enrolled at least half-time. At the beginning of each quarter, you should be prepared to support yourself until your loan funds become available.
Please visit the Bursar’s website for more information regarding refunds.