Navigating Financial Aid at Chicago State University

Financial AidHow can I view my Financial Aid package in Cougar Connect? 

It is almost summertime in Chicago! This means great weather, flowers are blooming, and most of all, you’re thinking about your next steps for enrolling at CSU! If you’re an admitted student, you’ve come to the right place to receive a quick tutorial on navigating your Financial Aid process at CSU.

Questions and Answers with Financial Aid

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 1st 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 jingye0769.com homepage, click on Cougar Connect at the top of the page.

Click Cougar Connect

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

Cougar Connect Login

  • Click on Home then Click on CSU X-Press

Home then CSU X-Press

  • Click on Financial Aid then Click on Award

Financial Aid then 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

Financial Aid AwardSelect Aid Year

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

Award Package

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@jingye0769.com