Financial Aid
More than $10 Million in scholarships awarded annually
TYPES OF AID
Learn About Institutional Aid
Most students rely on a combination of ways to fund their degrees, such as loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, special rates, and employment.
The Chicago School is approved for Cal Grant programs for students who attend one of our California campus locations and for California residents enrolled in our online programs. For more information on Cal Grant programs, please click here.
The Chicago School is committed to enrolling a diverse and outstanding class; as such we offer several scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 each academic year.
The following scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria including financial need, academic excellence, community involvement, and impact. Eligibility and application procedures vary by scholarship. Please note, some scholarships cannot be combined.
Incoming new students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to their future academic pursuits will be considered for The Dean’s Undergraduate Scholarship. The scholarship award amount is up to $3,000 and is non-renewable.
To be eligible for consideration, incoming new students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The Dean’s Undergraduate Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of the Dean’s Undergraduate Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been disbursed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
The Dr. Michele Nealon Legacy Scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for incoming PsyD in Clinical Psychology students. This prestigious scholarship, honoring the University president’s dedicated service and inspired by her experiences in the PsyD program in Chicago, aims to support students in pursuing their educational goals. Emphasizing a strong academic record, the scholarship reflects a commitment to intellectual rigor and excellence in Clinical Psychology.
To be eligible for consideration, incoming new students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher, or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The scholarship award is up to $30,000. This provides a substantial financial benefit for recipients throughout their academic journey.
The Dr. Michele Nealon Legacy Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of the Legacy Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been disbursed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
The EmpowerEd Scholarship is an award available to new students pursuing their higher education goals committed to fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives as they recognize the crucial role, they play in shaping our communities and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. The award amount is up to $3,000 and is non-renewable.
To be eligible for consideration, incoming new students must complete a 500-word essay discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion in today’s society and their contributions to promoting these values.
The EmpowerEd Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of the EmpowerEd Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been disbursed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
The Future Leaders in Public Health Scholarship is an award available to new students enrolled in the Master of Public Health program at The Chicago School. The award amount is $5,000 and is non-renewable.
The Future Leaders in Public Health Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of The Future Leaders in Public Health Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been dispersed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
Incoming new students will be considered for The Chicago School’s Master’s Merit Scholarship based solely on their outstanding academic achievements. Recipients of this scholarship are acknowledged as future ambassadors of our institution and are expected to uphold the legacy of academic excellence that defines The Chicago School. The scholarship award amount is up to $10,000 and is non-renewable.
To be eligible for consideration, incoming new students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher.
The Master’s Merit Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of the Master’s Merit Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been disbursed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
The President’s Scholarship is open to new students enrolling in an Ed.S., PhD, or PsyD program (except for PsyD Clinical Psychology). This prestigious scholarship is awarded based on outstanding academic accomplishments and the demonstrated potential of students to create a meaningful and lasting impact in their respective fields of study. The scholarship award is up to $20,000.
To be eligible for consideration, incoming new students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher, or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The President’s Scholarship may not be combined with other Chicago School scholarships. Recipients of the President’s Scholarship become eligible for Special Tuition Rates once all scholarship funds have been disbursed. These rates offer continued financial support and affordability for recipients as they progress through their academic program.
The Chicago School offers several opportunities for institutional aid for international students. The following scholarships are for eligible international students and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
The Global Impact Scholarship is awarded to full-time international undergraduate and graduate students of exceptional academic merit who meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (or international equivalent) at the time of admission. Eligible students will automatically receive a 15% discount on their tuition each term if they maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 while enrolled at The Chicago School.
Award Amount: 15% tuition discount
The Global Impact Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
The Global Leaders Scholarship is an award available to returning international students at The Chicago School enrolled in an on-campus fall program. Applicants should share their experiences at The Chicago School, describe how their studies have impacted their professional development, and discuss their plans for serving as a global leader in their profession.
Award Amount: $1,000 (subject to change based on budget availability)
Past scholarship winners are eligible only if budget is available.
Our global community is built on the strong partnerships we have formed with institutions around the world; the Global Partners Scholarship was designed to further strengthen those bonds. Eligible full-time international undergraduate and graduate students enrolled with or employed by an institution sharing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with our institution may be eligible to receive a 20% discount to their tuition each term if they maintain good academic standing while enrolled with The Chicago School.
Award Amount: 20% tuition discount
The Global Partner Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
The Local Advantage Scholarship was designed to simplify the process for international students already living in the U.S. who hope to transfer to The Chicago School. Eligible full-time international undergraduate and graduate students currently studying at another U.S. institution or who have completed a degree at a U.S. institution may receive a 25% discount applied to their tuition each term while enrolled if they maintain good academic standing after transferring to The Chicago School.
Award Amount: 25% tuition discount
The Local Advantage Scholarship is applied to only one program of study at a time and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or tuition discounts.
The Chicago School fellowships are positions in which students will contribute to the academic community in and out of the classroom. Fellowships are competitive and require an application process.
The Fellowship in Psychopharmacology was established for students accepted into the M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology and M.A. in Psychopharmacology programs to recognize their pursuit of new and innovative training in the fields of psychology and integrated health care. Students must have a graduate GPA of 3.0 or above and must be a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 55.
Award Amount: $17,500 (non-renewable)
The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program is a graduate fellowship program that offers financial assistance to returned Peace Corps volunteers. You can learn more about the opportunity here.
All special rates are determined each year along with the university’s other published tuition rates and remain in effect for that year. The rate applies to future terms only and is not retroactive to current or prior terms. Changes in any specific rates will be closely tied to any subsequent change in The Chicago School’s published tuition rates, and the rate does not apply to institutional fees or other charges. To maintain eligibility for a special tuition rate, students must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.
Note: A student cannot combine multiple special tuition rates, and may not combine a special tuition rate with a scholarship award. A student who accepts a scholarship may apply for eligibility review for a Special Tuition Rate once all scholarship funds have been allocated. Continuing students are responsible for contacting their Student Support Counselor to inquire about special tuition rates. Federal Work-Study (FWS), College Work-Study (CWS), volunteer, and positions secured by students to complete their degree requirements (e.g., practicum or internship experience) are not considered qualifying positions for special tuition rates.
Active duty personnel of the U.S. military or National Guard and their spouses and dependents and veterans of the U.S. military or National Guard and their spouses and dependents may be eligible for the Military Tuition Rate. This rate has been established to support individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Military and Veteran Tuition Rate for each degree level for academic year 2024 – 2025:
- Bachelors = $488
- Certificate/M.A./M.S. = $1,268
- Ed.S. = $1,290
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,563
Undergraduate Military Tuition Rate:
The Chicago School is proud to offer a special tuition rate of $250.00 per credit hour for undergraduate programs for Active Duty Service members and Spouses/Domestic partners of Active Duty Service members. This rate has been established to support individuals in the military community who have dedicated themselves to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Please consult with your Admissions Counselor to determine if you are eligible.
Note: The Undergraduate Military Tuition Rate cannot be combined with other Special Tuition Rates. The Undergraduate Military Tuition Rate is applied to future terms only and is not retroactive for current or prior terms.
Alumni who have earned a bachelor’s degree, terminal master’s degree, terminal education specialist degree, or terminal doctoral degree from The Chicago School may be eligible for the Alumni Tuition Rate. The Alumni Tuition Rate is not available to students who earn a nested master’s degree from The Chicago School while enrolled in an applicable doctoral program.
The Alumni Tuition Rate for each eligible degree level for academic year 2024-2025:
- M.A./M.S. = $1,057
- Ed.S = $1,075
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,303
The International Student Tuition Rate is available to students who are in non-immigrant statuses within or outside the United States and are ineligible for U.S. Federal Financial Aid. The International Student Rate is not available to permanent residents or eligible non-citizens in the U.S.
The International Student Rate for each eligible degree level for the academic year 2024-2025
• Bachelors = $488
• M.A./M.S. = $1268
• Ed.S = $1290
• Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1563
The International Student Tuition Rate is determined for each fiscal year and remains in effect for that year. The rate applies to future terms only and is not retroactive to current or prior terms. Changes in the International Student Tuition Rate will be closely tied to any subsequent change in The Chicago School’s published tuition rates, and the rate does not apply to institutional fees or other charges. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the desired program and must remain in academic and financial aid good standing, meeting all Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, to retain the rate.
An international student who enrolled before Fall 2023 was awarded the International Student Grant and is not eligible for the International Student Tuition Rate.
The K-12 School Personnel Tuition Rate has been established to support K-12 teachers and staff working in an educational district that want to enroll in a program.
The K-12 School Personnel Tuition Rate for each degree level for academic year 2024-2025:
- Bachelors = $488
- M.A./M.S. = $1,268
- Ed.S. = $1,290
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,563
A student employed as a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer may be eligible for the Law Enforcement Tuition Rate. The rate has been established to support individuals who have dedicated their careers to public safety and service.
The Law Enforcement Tuition Rate for each degree level for academic year 2024-2025:
- Bachelors = $488
- M.A./M.S. = $1,268
- Ed.S = $1,290
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,563
The Mental and Behavioral Health Professionals Tuition Rate has been established to support mental and behavioral health professionals who aim to better serve their clients and the community through advanced education and training.
The Mental and Behavioral Health Professionals Tuition Rate for each degree level for academic year 2024-2025:
- Bachelors = $488
- M.A./M.S. = $1,268
- Ed.S = $1,290
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,563
The Practicum and Internship Tuition Rate has been established to support supervisors who are currently affiliated with The Chicago School and who enroll in a new degree program.
The Practicum and Internship Tuition Rate for each eligible degree level for academic year 2024-2025:
- Bachelors = $433
- M.A./M.S.= $1,127
- Ed.S = $1,147
- Psy.D./Ph.D./Ed.D. = $1,390
In keeping with our mission to serve and embrace a diverse range of groups and organizations, The Chicago School partners with organizations around the country to provide a quality education rooted in a commitment to innovation, community, and impact. Employees at these partner organizations may be eligible for a special partner tuition rate applicable to programs spanning a wide range of professional fields.
The Post-Masters Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Special Tuition Rate applies to graduates of the Post-Masters Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis who matriculate into the Ph.D. Behavior Analysis program.
The Special Tuition Rate for academic year 2024 – 2025: $1,303.
All special rates are determined each year along with the university’s other published tuition rates and remain in effect for that year. The rate applies to future terms only and is not retroactive to current or prior terms. Changes in any specific rates will be closely tied to any subsequent change in The Chicago School’s published tuition rates, and the rate does not apply to institutional fees or other charges.
The Chicago School offers flexible scheduling options, making it possible for many students to seek employment and work part time or even full time while in school. This enables students to reduce the amount they need to borrow. Opportunities include:
There are two types of positions available for student employees: College Work-Study (CWS) and Federal Work-Study (FWS). The CWS positions are funded by The Chicago School whereas FWS positions are subsidized by the federal government as part of a student’s financial aid package.
If you do not know your FWS eligibility, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete The Chicago School’s Student Employment Eligibility Form (SEEF). Financial Aid will communicate with you about your FWS eligibility. If you do not qualify for an FWS-funded position, you may still apply for CWS-funded positions.
Skill-based opportunities include:
- Faculty and teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- Professional assistantships
- Community assistantships
Many assistantships are funded through the Work-Study Program, but students not eligible may also be considered for assistantships and can be hired as part-time employees.
Some employers assist with tuition costs for work-related graduate study. If you are currently employed, contact your human resources department to find out whether your organization offers a tuition assistance benefit.
The U.S. Federal Student Aid website lists all the loans that are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The primary source of graduate student aid from the federal government is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
The Chicago School is under no obligation to provide any scholarship to any student, and all scholarship awards are subject to funding availability. While scholarship candidates are reviewed automatically upon the submission of a completed application for admission to The Chicago School, the submission of a completed admissions application does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded, nor does it indicate an offer of admission to The Chicago School. Neither the applicant nor the applicant’s parents or guardians shall have any legal or equitable recourse against The Chicago School concerning any scholarship offer or scholarship award. The Chicago School is not liable for any expenses incurred in connection with the scholarship award process. Scholarship award decisions are final and are made after the admission review process is complete and an offer of admission has been extended.
FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
Start the Financial Aid Process
STEP
01.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The Chicago School’s school code is B07022.
STEP
02.
If needed, provide documents requested by The Chicago School. Once The Chicago School receives your FAFSA data and you have been offered admission, we will notify you of any documents needed prior to processing your award letter.
STEP
03.
Review and return your estimated award letter.
STEP
04.
Complete and e-sign the Master Promissory Note.
STEP
05.
Complete the student loan entrance counseling requirement.
STEP
06.
Look out for an email from your financial aid advisor. Financial Aid will post to your account after the Add/Drop period of each semester.
COSTS
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about the current tuition and fees for the programs you’re interested in.
Calculators
Calculating the Cost of Your Education
Net price calculator
Budget calculator
Loan simulator
EVENTS
Attend Our Upcoming Events
Our financial aid staff hosts regular seminars or webinars on topics such as budgeting, loans and scholarships, and even hands-on workshops at which our staff will help you complete your FAFSA paperwork to apply for federal student loans.
Code of Conduct
Financial Aid Code of Conduct
The Chicago School’s Financial Aid department is dedicated to the highest standards of professional conduct and has adopted and adheres to the Statement of Ethical Principles set forth by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). As members of NASFAA, The Chicago School has permission to make such an adoption.
CONTACT US
Our Financial Aid office is dedicated to helping you understand all your financing options.
Our advisors are available to answer questions for both new and continuing students, to explore both the pros and cons of various financial aid options, and to help you build the most appropriate plan for you.
Questions? Speak with our financial aid experts.