The Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students and their families who find themselves in unique financial circumstances while pursuing their degree. Given the economic impact of the pandemic, we understand there are a variety of needs. Below you find the opportunity to apply for emergency grants, hardship aid review, part-time enrollment assistance, and scholarship extensions. If you have any questions, please let us know so we can direct you to the best resources for your current situation.
Emergency Grants
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government made available the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) to institutions to support students. These were one-time awards aimed at assisting students with unexpected financial needs. Each batch of approved funds came with specific guidelines from the Department of Education. The available funds for Illinois Tech to award have been fully allocated.
HEERF reporting requirements can be found here.
Financial Aid Hardships
The Office of Financial Aid realizes that a student and their families may face circumstances that cause their financial situation to change. Illinois Tech can exercise professional judgment to re-evaluate a student's financial aid package, provided that appropriate documentation is on file; this includes consideration for job loss, change in hours of employment or medical expenses. Current students should submit an aid appeal through the Financial Hardship Appeal Form.
After submitting, a Financial Aid staff member will follow up via email within two to three weeks. While the Office of Financial Aid will always try to accommodate families during times of need, please be aware that funding is limited. Find applicable appeal deadlines for the current semester here.
Undocumented Students
Incoming domestic undergraduate students without J-1, F-1, or H-4 visa status who are ineligible to submit a FAFSA and who are facing a financial hardship can complete the Incoming Student Application for Additional Financial Aid. Undocumented students who are continuing students facing a financial hardship may complete the above Financial Hardship Appeals Form. Additionally, students can visit the Undocumented Students page for information on resources, financial aid opportunities, news, and more.
Institutional Scholarship Proration
Illinois Tech expects all students to remain at full-time status (12 credits or more) throughout their undergraduate studies in order to participate fully in the intellectual and professional life of their academic environment. Students who are awarded institutional funds are expected to enroll full-time, regardless of the time remaining in the program of study.
However, there may be a period when full-time enrollment does not match a student’s situation. In these cases, a student may request that their institutional scholarships be prorated by submitting a . Consideration for scholarship proration is only available for undergraduate scholarships.