Apply for Aid

A great education is within reach. Applying for scholarships and financial aid at Elmhurst University is easy, and we’re here to help.

The University offers scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Some types of aid are based on need, others on academic merit, talent or other considerations.

You’ll be automatically considered for Elmhurst University scholarships when you submit your application for admission. To apply for grants, loans and work-study, follow these steps.

1

Apply

Apply for admission to Elmhurst University. You have to be admitted to the University before we can award financial aid. 

2

Create or Locate Your FSA ID

Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). This ID allows you to access and sign the FAFSA. 

3

Submit Your FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). Complete the FAFSA as soon after October 1 as possible, and by our suggested priority deadline of February 15. Submit the FAFSA and be sure to list Elmhurst University (FAFSA code 001676) on the form.

  • Those able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the FAFSA are strongly encouraged to do so. Families who are not eligible to use the IRS DRT are encouraged to obtain a copy of their relevant tax year transcript from the IRS at the time they complete the FAFSA.
  • Illinois residents should file the FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered for eligibility for the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.
4

Review Your SAR

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). You’ll receive your SAR—a summary of the information in your FAFSA—about two weeks after you submit the FAFSA. Check it for errors. If your SAR indicates that you’ve been selected for verification, you’ll need to submit additional documentation.

5

Accept Your Offer

Accept your financial aid offer from Elmhurst. Award letters are sent starting in December for early action applicants and January for regular applicants. When you receive your letter, make sure all the information is correct, then go to Self-Service on the myElmhurst Portal to accept your award.

We also encourage you to explore additional sources of financial assistance. Many foundations, businesses and civic organizations offer scholarships to students who fit certain criteria. Check with your school counselor to find out what’s available to you.

Alternative Application—Illinois RISE Act

Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial aid can choose to apply for Illinois state financial aid. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has created an Illinois-specific online application for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, called the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. The data from the application will be used to determine a student’s MAP eligibility. Any students meeting the RISE Act criteria are encouraged to complete this application. Eligible students must also meet the MAP program’s eligibility requirements.

Special Circumstances

If your family has extenuating circumstances that you would like us to consider in awarding aid—for instance, a job loss or serious illness—please review your eligibility for Special Circumstances and, if applicable, submit an appeal.

Estimate Your Aid

Want to see an estimate of how much you’ll pay to attend Elmhurst University?

Net Price CalculatorS

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