Financial Aid is divided into three general categories:

Gift Aid

These are grants, scholarships, and other benefits that do not have to be repaid. Most grants are based on financial need, as determined by a federal formula, and are given by the federal or state governments; most scholarships are based on criteria such as grades or affiliations or other criteria, and may or may not also include a financial need component; most benefits are based on a combination of criteria.

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal SEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant)
• Illinois MAP Grants (for Illinois residents)
• Need-based Merit Grants
• Other scholarships
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Veterans Benefits
• Tax Benefits

Loans do need to be repaid; repayment can usually be delayed until several months after the student leaves school. Some loans, such as Federal Stafford loans, are given to students in their own names; some loans, such as Federal PLUS loans are given to parents of dependent students. Some loans are based on the student's financial need; some loans require a credit check; some loans are available regardless of income. There are alternative educational loans offered by private lenders to students, that may or may not require a cosigner.

• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
• Creative Education Loan
• Home Equity Loan

Some students choose to work to help to pay their living expenses while attending school. The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago participates in the Federal Work-Study program, and also assists students to find part-time jobs in the community.

• Federal Work-Study
• Part-time job assistance