Most CSI students receive financial aid through grants, scholarships, work-study, or student loans. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) allows CSI to determine what financial assistance you may qualify for.
Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll receive aid, it’s still worth completing the FAFSA. Many students are surprised by the types of support they qualify for. If you have questions at any point, an Enrollment Specialist can help guide you through the process.
Complete the FAFSA
Submit any requested documents
Receive your financial aid offer
Accept or adjust your aid in MyCSI
Complete loan requirements if you choose to borrow
The sections below explain each step.
First, start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA is a free application provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Before you begin, have these ready:
Submit the FAFSA based on the semester you plan to begin classes.
After your FAFSA is received by CSI, you will get an email from the CSI Financial Aid Office. In many cases, students are asked to provide additional information or documents to complete the FAFSA process.
These requests usually come from the U.S. Department of Education and help confirm the information on your FAFSA so CSI can prepare your federal financial aid offer.
To see what information or documents are required, log in to MyCSI Self Service and open the “My Financial Aid Overview” section. Submit any requested documents as soon as possible.
If required information or documents are not submitted, your financial aid processing will be delayed. Be sure to review the priority processing dates for each semester listed under Important Dates.
Once you have submitted all requested information and documents, CSI staff will complete the review of your financial aid application.
When the review is finished, your financial aid offer will be posted in MyCSI Self Service. This offer will show the types of financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
Your financial aid offer may include:
Grants – Money that usually does not need to be repaid
Scholarships – Awards based on academic achievement, talent, or other criteria
Work-Study – Part-time campus jobs that help you earn money for school
Student Loans – Borrowed money that must be repaid after school
Check your email frequently for notifications and instructions about the next steps.
Log in to MyCSI Self Service to review your financial aid offer. Follow the instructions to accept, reduce, or decline your awards.
For help, see the My Financial Aid tutorial .
Your financial aid offer may include a combination of grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans. CSI encourages students to borrow responsibly and only accept the aid they need to cover direct educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and books.