Appeals
The Office of Financial Aid realizes a student may face life events which cause their financial situation to change. IIT can exercise professional judgment to re-evaluate a student's financial aid eligibility provided that appropriate documentation is on file. If you have new or additional information regarding your family's financial circumstances, you should submit it in writing along with supporting documentation. For example, if loss of employment occurs, a letter from the employer would be helpful along with the last paycheck stub.
Weekly, the Financial Aid Appeals Committee convenes to review, discuss and determine if additional assistance is warranted for each appeal submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. Additional aid may be offered in the form of a loan, employment or grant, but is not guaranteed for every appeal submitted. You should be aware that funding is limited and that the Office of Financial Aid will do everything possible to accommodate individual family needs.
If you wish to present your circumstance to the Office of Financial Aid, please select your appeal type and follow the appeal procedures listed under the appeal you select.
Illinois Institute of Technology expects all students remain at full-time status (12 credits or more) throughout their undergraduate studies in order to participate fully in the rich intellectual and professional life of the academic environment. Students who are awarded institutional funds are expected to enroll full-time status (12 credits or more) regardless of the time remaining in the program of study.
During the final term of study at the university, a student may request that their institutional scholarships be pro-rated.
Requirements to Submit Institutional Scholarship Appeal
- You present a clear and detailed set of extenuating circumstances to reduce your course load.
- You will be registered for 6-11 credit hours for your final semester.
How to submit this appeal
Students who meet requirements should submit an e-mail directly to:
Kelli Goers
Federal Compliance Officer/ Assistant Director
Office of Financial Aid
goersk@iit.edu
A student may request an extension of their institutional scholarship beyond four years for a change in course of study or the addition of a minor or double major. A student may also, within three-months of the receipt of an undergraduate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, request to receive a continuation of institutional scholarships and any federal or state assistance as applicable, to pursue a second bachelor degree at the university.
Whether the process of pursuing a degree is taking longer than planned or a student chooses to complete another degree, the Office of Financial Aid recommends academic decisions be discussed as to meet students degree and career goals. The student's faculty advisor and/or a staff member in the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs are available to assist with academic advising.
Requirements to submit this appeal
Please prepare the following:
- In writing, present a clear and detailed set of goals toward earning your degree(s), including any additional program requirements and/or courses.
- Indicate your anticipated graduate date.
If a scholarship extension is granted, the student is expected to enroll full-time (at least 12 hours per term).
How to submit this appeal
Students who meet the requirements should submit these documents directly to:
Kelli Goers
Federal Compliance Officer/ Assistant Director
Office of Financial Aid
goersk@iit.edu
The university believes the financing of a student's education is the family's responsibility to the extent that they are able. If you find that your family can't afford the cost of attendance, you have the option of working over the summer to use the resources you make to help pay for your education. In addition, the Office of Financial Aid has an appeal process for special circumstances.
The Office of Financial Aid cannot increase the institutional scholarships that were initially awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. However, if the Appeals Committee believes additional assistance is warranted due to financial circumstances, additional aid may be offered in the form of a loan, employment, or grant. This additional assistance will be reflected on a revised financial aid award. You should be aware that funding is limited and that the Office of Financial Aid will do everything possible to accommodate individual family needs.
If you are interested in submitting an special circumstance review to our office, please submit the following to the Office of Financial Aid:
- Special Circumstance Appeal Worksheet
- A detailed letter explaining the reason for your appeal
- All supporting documentation for the circumstance
In the interest of expediency, the office will communicate with students through e-mail and/or by telephone. Please regularly check your IIT e-mail because there is a 2-week (10 business days) deadline to respond to a request for additional information. If you do not respond by the deadline, the appeal will be terminated. Appeals can take up to 15 business days once all documentation has been submitted. A financial aid staff member will be in contact with the student if more information is required to process the review.
