Students apply for state and federal aid including work and loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to include Eastern as the school of choice. Our Title IV code is 001674.

The FAFSA is the only form that EIU requires to begin the financial aid process. Students can apply after January 1 for the upcoming fall semester. Eastern's priority deadline is March 1.

The federal government is encouraging all students to apply via the web. On their web site, fafsa.ed.gov, students and parents can request their pin number for filing and signatures, complete and submit their FAFSA, check the status of their application, and register for selective service.

The FAFSA is submitted online to the federal processor; the student will receive a student aid report (SAR) within 1- 2 weeks. The SAR is a breakdown of the information submitted on the FAFSA. It will also give the expected family contribution (EFC) and indicate whether or not the student is eligible for the federal PELL grant.

By indicating EIU as a school of choice, we are able to download the file from the federal processor. If the file was selected by the government for verification, we will request of a copy of the parent and student federal tax return for the previous year. We will also send an institutional verification form for completion. Once the information is received, we will compare it to the FAFSA. If there are any discrepancies, we will request additional information for clarification. If all forms equal, we will continue processing the file. The processing cycle takes approximately 30 - 45 days. At the end of the cycle, we will send a Financial Aid Notification (FAN) letter and a Disbursement Authorization Form.

The student will then need to accept or reject the aid offered, sign, and return both forms.

If the student accepts loans, two additional things will happen. A Master Promissory Note will be generated, mailed, and the student will need to sign and return. They will also be required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling. This can be completed on-line or through the Office of Financial Aid.

When all documentation is received, the file will be set for disbursement. First disbursement is the first day of class. The funds will be credited to the student's account. Any remaining funds will be sent to the student in the form of a check.