Phone: 708-209-3113
Email: Financial.Aid@cuchicago.edu
Location: First Floor, Krauss Hall
Website: www.cuchicago.edu/admission-financial-aid/undergraduate/tuition-financial-aid/contact-us/

Making your education affordable and meeting the cost of a college education is a primary goal of Concordia University Chicago. CUC’s comprehensive financial aid program offers assistance to help supplement each family’s contribution toward college expenses. While the responsibility for financing University costs rests with students and their families, CUC assists with this obligation by providing financial aid packages to help meet the needs of its students.

The amount of assistance a student may be eligible for is determined with the help of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This analysis calculates the amount a student’s family can provide for University expenses, taking into account such factors as current income, assets, family size and number in college.

After a careful study of the information on the FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid determines the family’s eligibility for financial assistance. If eligible, a student will receive a combination of scholarships and/or grants, campus employment and educational loans. This combination is called an award package.

All undergraduate students wishing to apply for financial assistance may submit the FAFSA any time after October 1 (but no later than December 15) for the coming school year. All need-based federal, state and institutional aid is awarded based upon the evaluation of the FAFSA. Federal programs are available to students who are permanent residents and citizens of the United States; Illinois residents may be eligible for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s (ISAC) Illinois Monetary Award Program. Most states will not allow their grants to be used out of state. Therefore, students should check with their school counselors if they are not sure of their state programs.

Lutheran church professional students are asked to apply to their churches and districts for assistance. They also may be eligible for Concordia-Chicago’s Church Professional Grant.

Students who plan to enter the Lutheran church professional program may be eligible for additional Synodical funds. They also must file for federal and state grants if applicable. Academic scholarships for returning students are available on campus. Most are based on academic achievements; some are based on need and/or program. Scholarship applications are available between February 1 and April 1 each year.

Students are urged to investigate the possibility of scholarships, grants and loans that might be available to them in their own communities and/or states. Many Lutheran organizations and agencies provide financial assistance for CUC students. National Mutual Benefit, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Lutheran Laymen’s League and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League are some examples of Lutheran groups and businesses which offer scholarships and grant monies/opportunities to students attending Lutheran colleges and universities. Contact congregational/area representatives for further details.

In addition, contact local businesses and civic organizations regarding scholarship and grant programs. Consult the local Chamber of Commerce and the high school guidance office or local community colleges for listings of these resources.

Traditional new and transfer students may be eligible for merit-based awards, granted upon admission to the University by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for specific information. 

Student Consumer Information

In accordance with federal regulations released by the Department of Education, schools are required to make available to students certain pertinent information as it relates to financial aid, student services, enrollment services, accreditation and University policies. To view this information, please visit our website at CUChicago.edu/consumerinformation.

Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents

Concordia University Chicago is grateful for current service members and veterans and is supportive of those who would like to start or continue their education. Multiple federal programs are available to assist veterans and their dependents in achieving a college education. The Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon is one of the most beneficial educational programs in which CUC is a proud participant. To use your veterans’ educational benefits, please submit the following documents to the Office of Financial Aid:

• Copy of your Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration
• Copy of your DD-214
• Change of Program Form (if recently attended another college or university)

Students eligible for Tuition Assistance must submit the following for each course approved each term:

• Copy of Authority for Tuition Assistance for each course approved

Concordia University Chicago is approved for the training of veterans in both undergraduate and graduate programs by the state-approving agency of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Any student who is certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs and determined eligible for the receipt of educational assistance benefits must maintain the University’s standards of satisfactory academic progress as listed in this section.

Students will not be assessed late penalty fees or prevented from enrolling in courses when receiving Chapter 31 or 100% of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill^® benefits. Students should confirm with the Office of Financial Aid receipt of all required documents prior to the first initial start of the term.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Scholarships and Endowments

Many friends of the University have given gifts to establish named scholarships and endowments to support the student financial aid program at CUC. Recipients are selected by academic departments, the merit scholarship committee and the Office of Financial Aid. If selected, you will be required to submit a thank you letter to the donor.

Employment

To assist in meeting their educational costs, students may be given the opportunity to work on campus. Campus jobs are awarded on the basis of need and ability. For CUC students, off-campus employment is also a viable option.

Student Loans

The Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan programs are made available by the federal government and administered by the University. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan program, for parents of financially dependent students, also is offered for educational purposes. Many of these loans offer the borrower access to funds at low interest rates with full repayment postponed until after the student has graduated from his/her intended program.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Assistance

Federal and state governments require that each college have Standards of Satisfactorym Academic Progress (SAP) for determining continued eligibility for student financial aid. SAP standards measure both the qualitative and quantitative progress of coursework completed. SAP includes the following three elements: grade-point average, course completion rate and maximum time frame. SAP is reviewed at the end of each payment period.