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.
In addition to merit-based scholarships that are awarded as a part of the admissions process, students may qualify for federal and state aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO COMPLETE YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION:
1| CREATE A STUDENTAID.GOV ACCOUNT
If you have not already registered for a FSA ID, 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/fafsaapply/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 and apply for additional scholarship opportunities at saic.edu/outsidescholarships. SAIC students received almost $1.5 million dollars in outside scholarships last year.
For SAIC merit scholarship information and deadlines, visit saic.edu/ugmerit.
5| RESPOND TO ANY REQUESTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
You may be required to submit additional information to Student Financial Services.
Please respond to these requests in a timely manner.
6| NEED HELP?
Visit saic.edu/sfs, call us at 312.629.6600 or email us at saic.sfs@saic.edu
We are here to help!
PLEASE NOTE: You should not wait to be admitted to file your FAFSA. Follow the Student Financial Services Facebook and X pages to see new additional scholarship opportunities. Details at: saic.edu/outsidescholarships
Student Financial Services
36 South Wabash Avenue, suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6600 | saic.sfs@saic.edu