Determining Eligibility

Students gathered around a lounge talking, studying, and gazing out the windows at the view overlooking the Art Institute museum.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) prepares students’ financial aid packages once students’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications have been reviewed, and it is confirmed that they have met all of the following eligibility requirements as prescribed by the federal government:

Demonstrated financial need (except for certain loans)
US citizen or eligible noncitizen with a valid Social Security number
Working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
Demonstrated qualifications to enroll in postsecondary education such as having a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the SAIC Office of Student Financial Services

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The FAFSA collects information about the student (and parents for dependent students) regarding income and assets, the number of family members and determines a level of financial need for the student. SAIC uses the resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) as part of a formula to determine the amount of financial assistance to be provided to the student for their education. The information you put of the FAFSA about you (and your family if applicable) will determine your SAI which is used as part of the equation for financial need. This is calculated by subtracting the SAI and other financial assistance from the schools estimated Cost of Attendance for each student.

You can estimate your family contribution for college by using the federal government's Federal Student Aid Estimator online tool before officially applying for student aid.