Financial Aid Process for New Students

While the Admissions decision is not based on your finances, your financial aid award is contingent upon your being admitted for enrollment. Therefore, submitting your financial aid application as soon as possible will enable the Financial Aid Office to process your application as soon as you've been admitted.

Steps to Complete:

1. Complete your College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE online. It is best to complete the PROFILE after completion of your parents' and your most recent Federal income tax returns since that information is necessary to answer the questions.

   Principia works with the College Scholarship Service (CSS) in evaluating a student's need for assistance. This service offers an impartial, confidential evaluation based on information you provide on a financial aid PROFILE form, the primary form required when applying for aid at Principia College. Note: (Principia does not use the FAFSA)

   For families with separate households, the custodial parent is responsible for completion of the CSS Profile.  The noncustodial parent is responsible for completion of the Noncustodial Profile.

2. If possible, please electronically send your parents' and your most recent federal tax returns (Form 1040) to finaid@principia.edu. If you are unable to scan your documents, please fax or send them to Principia College Financial Aid, Elsah, IL 62028. Fax to 618.374.4000. For incoming freshman, you can send last year's tax returns for an estimated award.

Financial Aid Process for Returning Students

Steps to Complete:

1. Each returning student must access Principia’s  BannerWeb (SSB) to complete the Principia Application for Financial Aid. The application provides each student the opportunity to make his/her financial aid request and to sign our office’s financial aid agreement. Students can also track their application checklist and view their financial aid and scholarship award.
    
2. If possible, please electronically send your parents' and your most recent federal tax returns (Form 1040) to finaid@principia.edu. If you are unable to scan your documents, please fax or send them to Principia College Financial Aid, Elsah, IL 62028. Fax to 618.374.4000. For incoming freshman, you can send last year's tax returns for an estimated award.
    
3. All returning students must submit a thank you note for the aid they received the prior year. Please submit your thank you note through our Self-Service Banner online form.

Please note: Students are only required to submit the College Board CSS PROFILE the first time they apply for need-based financial aid (instead of submitting it each year). For students who have withdrawn their enrollment for more than one year we require a new PROFILE submission.

Contact Information:
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Elsah, IL  62028
800.277.4648 ext. 2813
finaid@principia.edu