Frequently Asked Questions

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Financial aid is monetary assistance from institutional, governmental, or private sources that is available to assist students in affording educational costs. This aid can take the form of academic scholarships, need-based grants, low-interest loans, and student employment.
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To be considered for academic scholarships, simply complete the application process for admission. Every student who submits a completed application for admission will be considered for an academic scholarship. We recognize excellence by carefully considering the academic credentials of each candidate.

Eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based grants, loans, and student employment is determined after submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based assistance is determined on the basis of "financial need," which is defined as the difference between family resources and educational costs. Final consideration for all financial aid occurs only after your admission to Aurora University has been confirmed, and we have received your processed FAFSA.
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Yes. You can complete and return the Student Aid Estimator any time before January 15. You can receive the form by calling the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 1-800-742-5281 or 630-844-6190.
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The EFC or Expected Family Contribution is the dollar amount representing how much of a family's financial resources should be available to help pay for school. It is derived from a formula created by the Department of Education and it utilizes various data acquired from the FAFSA for its calculations, such as the student's and/or parents' Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), assets (savings and checking accounts), and benefits (unemployment or Social Security). The EFC is subtracted from the college's Cost of Attendance (tuition, books, fees and living expense) to determine eligibility for Federal need-based aid.
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Aurora University's federal school code is 001634. You will need this number when filling out your FAFSA form. By listing GWC's code, we will receive your application electronically.
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It is suggested that forms be completed as early as possible for top consideration for financial aid. April 15 is the priority date for a fall semester start and December 1 for a spring semester start.

There are state deadlines as well. To be considered for the Illinois Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP) as a new student you must file the FAFSA by September 30. If you are a continuing student the deadline is August 15.
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No. Complete the FAFSA as soon as you can. The financial aid staff will keep your application on file until they receive notice that you have been accepted.
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Allow two to six weeks for the federal processing of your FAFSA. If you file over the Internet, it will take approximately two weeks. If you file by mailing, the application can take up to six weeks. Once the financial aid staff receives this information, a financial aid package will be determined unless further information is required. The amount of time between receipt of application and determination of aid varies, but it is generally within two weeks. Returning students are processed when fall semester grades have been posted and Satisfactory Academic Progress has been verified. Typically, award offers for returning students will be processed beginning in April.
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The Federal Processing Center randomly selects applications for verification. You can tell if your application has been selected by reading the comment section on your Student Aid Report (SAR). Your financial aid counselor may also select your SAR for verification - this is called institutional verification.

In both cases, if your file is selected for verification, we will ask for:

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Loss of a job or benefits, death in the family, divorce or separation, or extreme medical bills are examples of special circumstances that can change your financial aid eligibility. Please download and complete the Special Circumstance form (PDF) if you would like the Special Circumstance Committee to review your situation. You can fax the completed form to the Financial Aid Office at 630-844-6191. Please contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at 630-844-6190 or by e-mail at finaid@aurora.edu if you need further information.
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If you receive outside scholarships, a student financial services counselor will first focus on reducing any remaining unmet need. After that, it might be necessary to replace any self-help (i.e. loans or Federal Work-Study) in a student's aid package. It is the student's responsibility to report all outside scholarships.
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Your financial aid eligibility is based on many variables, including your FAFSA information, academic performance, and housing arrangements. Your aid may be influenced by a change in your EFC, an increase or decrease in federal and state funding, or by missing a required deadline.

Students who wish to continue to receive financial assistance must complete the FAFSA each year. Each November or December, the Department of Education will send an e-mail reminding you to complete the Renewal FAFSA.
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350 Constance Blvd.
P.O. Box 210
Williams Bay, WI 53191-0210
262-245-5531