FAQs – Financial Aid Awards

How will I know what awards I am eligible for at Loyola after I file the FAFSA?
Students will be provided a Financial Aid Award that outlines all financial aid awards and scholarships for which you are eligible, as determined by your application for admission and by your FAFSA.

If I receive a scholarship from an outside donor or organization from my high school, will that affect the financial aid I receive from Loyola?
Loyola does not reduce your aid if you receive small outside scholarships! However, if you receive an outside scholarship that is a significant award amount, we will have to review your overall financial aid award. 

How will I receive my financial aid?
All financial aid awards are applied to your University account with the Office of the Bursar. The remaining balance after financial aid is due on the 5th of the following month after school begins. However, you may pay the balance before August 5th for first and second-year students and before September 5th for third and fourth-year students.

How will I know if I need to submit additional documents?
Some students must send additional documentation for review. If further documentation is needed your award can be viewed as an Estimate of Financial Aid Eligibility. The Estimate will include a request for the needed documents via your To-Do List. Once the documents are received and reviewed, we will update financial aid awards, if needed, and send a Financial Aid Award. Your financial aid will not be disbursed until all requested information is provided and reviewed.


Will my financial aid stay the same from year to year?
Students are required to submit a new FAFSA each year, which will determine their eligibility for the upcoming academic year. Changes in the family's financial situation and increased loan amounts, among other factors, may affect the award from year to year.  Additionally, students are required to meet all scholarship requirements and meet satisfactory academic progress policies to ensure that eligibility for scholarships and financial aid is maintained.

If I change where I live, will this change affect my financial aid?
Your financial aid can be affected by your living arrangements (i.e., off-campus apartment or commuting from a parent's home).  Changes to these items could potentially impact your financial aid awards. Students considering changing their living plans should contact the SSOM Financial Aid Office.
 
I have been awarded grants and loans. What is the difference between the two?
Grants are need-based assistance that does not need to be repaid by the student. Loans, such as the Federal Stafford Loan and Institutional loans are forms of financial assistance that need to be repaid.

After all of my financial aid is applied to my account, what other options are there to finance the balance?
While how you choose to finance your education is up to you, we recommend utilizing any scholarships or college saving plans first. There are also many other resources you can use to cover your educational expenses