I was just admitted to Chicago State University, how do I know my financial aid eligibility?

First, welcome to the Cougar Family! You have made an important step in securing your future. Now, let us help you make the financial aid process a smooth one.

The very first step to receiving financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the correct award year at FAFSA.gov. 

I am starting school in Summer 2020, which FAFSA do I complete?

If you plan to start classes in Summer 2020, you will need to complete the 2019-20 FAFSA. If you plan to attend classes for Fall 2020 or Spring 2021, you will need to complete the 2020-21 FAFSA.

I completed the FAFSA last year, do I need to do it again?

YES! You need to complete a FAFSA every year! Secure the bag!  You must complete it every year to determine your eligibility. The FAFSA is available on October 1^st of every year. 

What is CSU’s FAFSA School Code?

The school code for Chicago State University is 001694. In order for CSU to receive your FAFSA eligibility and create a financial aid package for you, our school code MUST be on your FAFSA. 

I’ve submitted my FAFSA, what do I do next?

Once you have been fully admitted to CSU and you have received your CSU username and password, you can log on to Cougar Connect to view your financial aid package.

How do I access Cougar Connect? Easy. From the zlmmc8.com homepage, click on Cougar Connect at the top of the page.

Login using your username and password. You should have received this information once you were admitted to CSU and you claimed your account, if you have not done so and you have your ID number (It is in your acceptance letter) use this link here to claim your account. If you are having issues claiming your account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (773) 995-3963 and they will assist you in claiming your account to access your cougar connect account. 

Please see below for step by step instructions on how to navigate financial aid within cougar connect.

 

Follow these steps after clicking on Cougar Connect:

• Provide your username and password

• Click on Home then Click on CSU X-Press

• Click on Financial Aid then Click on Award

 

• Click on Award by Aid Year then Choose the appropriate  Award Year from the dropdown box, 2019-20  for Summer 2020-21 for Fall 2020

• From here you can click on each tab to view information, answer the TIV questions and accept your award:

If you are still having trouble and need assistance, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (773) 995-2304 or email them at csu-finaid@zlmmc8.com