Illinois Undergraduate Students Deadline: February 1, 2026
All Other Students Deadline: March 1, 2026
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) recognizes that financing a college education can be a significant undertaking, and is committed to assisting students and their families through this process. To apply for need-based financial aid, students and families need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO COMPLETE YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION:
1| CREATE A STUDENTAID.GOV ACCOUNT
If you have not already created your account, visit studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account
If you are a dependent student, your parents will also need to create a StudentAid.gov account.
2| COMPLETE A 2026–27 FAFSA AT fafsa.gov
List SAIC’s school code as 001753 to ensure we receive your application. Parents or spouses will be sent an invitation from the FAFSA to complete their sections as appropriate after the student has completed their section and listed their parent/spouse, including their email address, as a contributor. Students can use the new Parent Wizard to help determine the correct parent or guardian if needed at studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents
FAFSA questions? Check out the Federal Student Aid Information Center at studentaid. gov/help-center
3| REVIEW/MAKE CORRECTIONS
You will receive a confirmation from the FAFSA processing center once your application has been processed. Review the information, and if necessary, make corrections online immediately.
4| LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Research additional scholarship possibilities. SAIC recommends you start your search 10–12 months ahead of time. Check out our website at saic.edu/outsidescholarships
5| RESPOND TO ANY REQUESTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
You may be required to submit additional information to Student Financial Services.
Respond to these requests in a timely manner. Students selected for verification will not be awarded until required documents are received at saic.edu/sfsdocsubmit and verification is complete.
6| NEED HELP?
Website: saic.edu/sfs Telephone: 312.629.6600
Email: saic.sfs@saic.edu
We are here to help!
SUGGESTED PRIORITY DEADLINES
FEBRUARY 1
ILLINOIS UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Illinois State MAP Grant funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered, your FAFSA should be submitted no later than February 1, 2026.
MARCH 1
ALL OTHER STUDENTS
Recommended priority deadline for filing the FAFSA.
Student Financial Services
36 South Wabash Avenue, suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6600 | saic.sfs@saic.edu