Summer Financial Aid 

Planning to take classes during the summer term? Governors State University offers financial aid options to help you stay on track—without the stress. Many students may still qualify for federal aid, scholarships, work-study, and other funding during the summer term. Explore the information below to learn about eligibility, availability, and important deadlines so you can make the most of your summer enrollment.

Summer Financial Aid Application Process 

To receive Summer Financial Aid, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA* - last date is June 30, 2026.
• You must complete a GovState Summer Aid Application. The Summer 2026 Financial Aid Application will be made available in March 2026.
• You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive financial aid.
• You must be enrolled in a degree or eligible certificate program.

*If you already have a 2025-2026 FAFSA on file, you do not need to file another for summer. If you have not filed a 2025-2026 FAFSA, you can complete it online.

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Assistance for Undergraduate Students 

You will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized) once we receive your Summer Financial Aid Application. Other options include Student Employment and Alternative/Private Loans. 

• Federal Loans - Federal Direct Loans are limited to remaining eligibility from the current award year not to exceed the Federal annual borrowing limit. Annuals borrowing limits can be viewed on our Loans webpage.
• • If you have remaining Federal Direct Loan eligibility, you must be enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework to qualify for the Federal Direct Loans. Half-time for undergraduate students is 6+ credit hours during summer term. Eligible coursework is coursework that is part of your direct program requirements as per the University Catalog and corresponding Degree Audit.
   
• Federal Pell Grant - The Federal Pell Grant Program allows an eligible student to receive up to 150 percent of the student's Federal Pell Grant scheduled award. This is known as "Year-Round Pell". As such, you may be eligible for Pell grant funding during the summer term, even if you have already used your annual Pell limit during the fall/spring terms. Award amounts will vary depending on your specific SAI and corresponding Pell eligibility.
  • Important Notice: The amount of the Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be 600 percent. If a student's Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) equals or exceeds 600 percent, the student is no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funding. Students can log on to www.studentaid.gov to view their Pell Grant LEU.
   
• Student Employment - Student Employment opportunities may also be available during the summer term.
• Alternative/Private Loans - If you have exhausted your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and/or Federal Loan programs, or are otherwise not eligible to receive them, you may apply for Alternative/Private Loans for summer financial assistance.

Assistance for Graduate Students 

You will be considered for Federal Direct Loans (Unsubsidized) once we receive your Summer Financial Aid Application. Other options include Student Employment and Alternative/Private Loans. 

• Federal Loans - Federal Direct Loans are limited to remaining eligibility from the current award year not to exceed the Federal annual borrowing limit. Annuals borrowing limits can be viewed on our Loans webpage.
  • If you have exhausted your annual maximum eligibility ($20,500) for Unsubsidized loans for the academic year, then you may apply for the Graduate PLUS loan up to your summer cost of attendance. The federal Graduate PLUS loan does require that you meet the federal credit check requirements to be eligible for the loan; however, if you are not approved due to adverse credit history, you can apply with an endorser (co-signer).
  • If you have remaining Federal Direct Loan eligibility, you must be enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework to qualify for the Federal Unsubsidized or Grad PLUS Loans. Half-time for graduate/doctorate students is 3+ credit hours during summer term. Eligible coursework is coursework that is part of your direct program requirements as per the University Catalog and corresponding Degree Audit.
   
• Student Employment - Student Employment opportunities may also be available during the summer term.
• Alternative/Private Loans - If you have exhausted your eligibility for the Federal loan programs, or are otherwise not eligible to receive them, you may apply for Alternative/Private Loans for summer financial assistance.