Financial Aid
General FAQ
Whether you are applying for financial aid for the first time or returning to IWU, we know you may have questions about the financial aid process. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
What is IWU’s federal school code?
Illinois Wesleyan University's federal school code is 001696. You will need this
code when completing the FAFSA so that your information is sent to IWU.
Do I need to reapply for financial aid each year?
Yes. Students must complete the FAFSA each academic year to be considered for federal financial aid. This allows your
financial aid eligibility to be evaluated using the most current information about
your income, assets, and family circumstances. The FAFSA is available October 1st.
What forms are required for financial aid consideration?
All students seeking financial aid must complete the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). Returning students are asked to complete
a short Renewal Form with updated IWU-related information.
When do I need to have my financial aid forms submitted?
IWU's preferential filing date is February 1 for IWU financial aid funds. Because
some Illinois state financial aid programs have limited funding, Illinois students
are encouraged to complete the FAFSA before March 1.
Can I still apply for financial aid after these dates?
Yes. Students who submit their FAFSA after the preferential filing date may still
qualify for certain federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, depending
on eligibility and available funding.
Will the Financial Aid Office require forms or documents in addition to the FAFSA?
Sometimes. The U.S. Department of Education may select your FAFSA for verification.
If this happens, IWU will require additional documentation to verify the information
reported on your FAFSA.
You will be notified if additional documents are required. Any outstanding requirements will be available through your MyIWU account or as directed by the Financial Aid Office.
You will be notified if additional documents are required. Any outstanding requirements will be available through your MyIWU account or as directed by the Financial Aid Office.
What is a secure way to send tax documents and other sensitive information?
Please do not email documents containing Social Security Numbers or other sensitive
personal information.
The Financial Aid Office offers the following secure options:
Secure Fax: (309) 556-3833
E-Secure IWU (Digital Pigeon): Financial Aid Receive Link
Digital Pigeon is a secure file-transfer system used by the University to transmit Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including Social Security Numbers, private files, and other sensitive information.
The Financial Aid Office offers the following secure options:
Secure Fax: (309) 556-3833
E-Secure IWU (Digital Pigeon): Financial Aid Receive Link
Digital Pigeon is a secure file-transfer system used by the University to transmit Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including Social Security Numbers, private files, and other sensitive information.
When can I expect to receive an award proposal?
For new students, award summaries are typically available beginning in January, provided
the Financial Aid Office has received all required forms and documentation.
Returning students are able to view their awards through MyIWU beginning in May.
Award timing may vary depending on when your FAFSA and other required documents are received and processed.
Returning students are able to view their awards through MyIWU beginning in May.
Award timing may vary depending on when your FAFSA and other required documents are received and processed.
I have received a financial aid award summary and have decided to attend IWU. What are my next steps?
First, submit your enrollment deposit. Then, review the Financial Aid Checklist for important steps and requirements you may need to complete during the summer before
starting at IWU.
What is College Illinois?
College Illinois! is a 529 pre-paid tuition program established by the State of Illinois.
The program allows families to purchase prepaid tuition benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
For more information, visit the College Illinois! website.
Who should I contact about College Illinois or another 529 pre-paid tuition plan?
Illinois Wesleyan University's Business Office handles pre-paid tuition programs.
You can contact them via phone at (309) 556-3022 or email at busnoff@iwu.edu.
Who should I contact with questions about my student account or statement?
Questions about your statement of account, charges, payments, or account balance should
be directed to the Business Office. You can contact them via phone at (309) 556-3022
or email at busnoff@iwu.edu.
The Financial Aid Office does not have access to detailed student account information.
The Financial Aid Office does not have access to detailed student account information.
Will I pay the same tuition amount each year?
No. Tuition and fees may change from year to year. Historically, IWU has had modest
annual increases. Students will receive information about tuition and fees for the
upcoming academic year during the spring semester.
Have More Questions?
If you have questions about applying for financial aid, your financial aid eligibility,
required documents, or your financial aid offer, please contact the Illinois Wesleyan
University Financial Aid Office.
Email: iwufaid@iwu.edu
Phone: (309) 556-3096
Andrew Reddington - Director of Financial Aid
Department - Financial Aid